Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have launched a new coordinated effort to build and acquire clean energy resources. The three states have put out an RFP detailing what they need. Goals include diversifying the fuel mix in New England and helping to address winter reliability issues.
The three states took the first step in the procurement process by formally releasing a draft RFP for a 30-day comment period. The comment period will end on March 27, 2015. After considering the comments, the states will issue the final RFP this spring.
The RFP will seek bids on new Class I Renewable Energy projects – which include wind, solar, small hydro, biomass and fuel cells – of at least 20 megawatts (MW) and large-scale hydro power projects that were constructed after January 1, 2003.
The draft RFP seeks to allow the states to consider projects for the delivery of clean energy through: 1) traditional power purchase agreements that do not require transmission upgrades, 2) purchase power agreements that require transmission, and/or 3) transmission projects containing clean energy delivery commitments, but without any associated power purchase agreements.
The draft RFP can be found online at www.cleanenergyRFP.com
