The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for long-term contracts for capacity, associated energy, and/or renewable energy credits from qualified resources.
New and existing resources from supply-side (renewable and non-renewable) and demand-side resources may participate. The selected bidders will enter into long-term contracts with one or more of Maine's investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities: Central Maine Power Co., Bangor Hydro-Electric Co. and Maine Public Service Co.
The objective of this solicitation is to acquire long-term contracts that would reduce electricity costs for Maine consumers and/or serve as a hedge against price volatility. Other factors, such as environmental and reliability attributes, will also be considered.
Bidders should note that, in accordance with statute, the PUC must ensure that any long-term contract resulting from this RFP is consistent with Maine's greenhouse-gas-reduction policies and goals. Proposals found to be most favorable will be those that fully meet the requirements of this RFP and that are most likely to achieve significant benefits for Maine electricity consumers.
Initial proposals are due by March 1, 2013. More information is available here.
