SPAS 00001 Published On: 09/12/2022
Question: 4.2.b requires “Have a physical location in DESC Balancing Authority Area and be physically interconnected to the DESC transmission system or distribution system.” However as can be seen from our initial submittals, that our 75MWac Evergreen project is located in Kershaw County outside, although near to DESC transmission system, is outside of the DESC Balancing authority. Will we be allowed to proceed and be considered?
Answer: Projects that are physically outside the BAA may be considered if they interconnect with the Dominion Transmission system directly.
SPAS 00003 Published On: 04/01/2024
Question: Have any projects been awarded for the Urquhart RFP thus far, or are we still in the evaluation phase since December 2022, and this new RFP is just a continuation of that?
Answer: The 2023-2024 reissuance of this RFP is a continuation of the original RFP. Based on the reissuance, there are no existing awards and any future awards will be made after the evaluation process is complete pursuant to the reissued RFP.
RFP 00001 Published On: 10/31/2022
Question: We have a few clarifications and requests below regarding the ‘Appendix D – Preferred Technical Specifications by Technology’ in the RFP package. We have pasted in the appropriate language from Appendix D below and our request regarding them in blue font. 1.1.1 Enclosures containing batteries shall be minimum 100’ from the property line and public road right of ways. The setback requirement of 100’ required by DESC in 1.1.1 of Appendix D is significantly larger than the setback requirements prescribed in county zoning ordinance regulations. For instance, county zoning setback requirement for the project we propose to bid is only 50’ from the property line and public road right of ways. We request that DESC provide an exception for the setback requirements in 1.1.1 and apply the setback requirements specified in the county ordinance. Doing so will enable higher land use efficiency while ensuring adherence to the applicable county regulation.
Answer: The 100’ setback requirement is based on the remote BESS location (or one that is not located near exposures) contained in NFPA 855. Due to the fire and explosion concerns from BESS and significant number of failures to date, Dominion Energy has required this setback for BESS developed at a large scale and will not waive the requirement for projects sited at the Urquhart facility or elsewhere that are proposed for transfer via a build-transfer or asset purchase arrangement to DESC ownership.
RFP 00002 Published On: 10/31/2022
Question: We have a few clarifications and requests below regarding the ‘Appendix D – Preferred Technical Specifications by Technology’ in the RFP package. We have pasted in the appropriate language from Appendix D below and our request regarding them. 1.2.1 Contractor shall conduct US based UL 9540A 4th edition testing on the proposed battery and installation arrangement at the cell, module, and unit level. The full US based UL9540A 4th edition test report shall be provided for each of these tests at time of bid. This includes delivery of the US based UL9540A 4th edition gas analysis report and testing for characteristics of the off-gas (such as constituents, burning velocity, Pmax, gas volume, etc.) At present there is only one Li-ion BESS manufacturer/integrator to our knowledge that has completed the US based UL 9540A testing, while many others currently hold foreign UL 9540A certifications. Limiting the requirement to US based certifications will severely inhibit the variety of bids and can cause DESC to receive quotes that are purely separated by development fees. We request that DESC accept overseas based as well as US based UL 9540A certifications to create a more diverse bid pool and allow DESC to discern additional benefits that other manufacturers may provide.
Answer: Dominion Energy has encountered multiple examples of foreign UL9540a testing whose results are much more severe once tested in the United States. The Company is also seeing more vendors testing in the United States due to these issues. For projects sited at the Urquhart facility or elsewhere that are proposed for transfer via a build-transfer or asset purchase arrangement to DESC ownership, the Company will not accept foreign UL9504a testing and encourages bidders to seek out manufacturers / integrators who are performing testing in the United States and require that testing be performed to purchase the specified BESS units.
RFP 00003 Published On: 10/31/2022
Question: We have a few clarifications and requests below regarding the ‘Appendix D – Preferred Technical Specifications by Technology’ in the RFP package. We have pasted in the appropriate language from Appendix D below and our request regarding them. 1.4.1 Each group of battery enclosures shall be limited to a maximum of 6 MWh before providing separation from the next group of battery enclosures. Such groups of battery enclosures (e.g., connex boxes or groups of modular battery enclosures) shall have minimum 25’ spacing between adjacent groups of battery enclosures and between any other site facilities and ancillary equipment 1.5.1 Requirements for BESS spacing with firewalls for enclosures or groups of enclosures with = 6 MWh of batteries, which can be used in lieu of the minimum 25-foot separation above We would like to understand the necessity of the requirements above (1.4.1 and 1.5.1) brought forth by DESC regarding BESS systems. Does ‘other site facilities and ancillary equipment’ as referenced above in 1.4.1 include inverters, transformers, etc.? We understand that fire safety is a concern primarily for Li-ion technologies. We request including the option to submit burn test results in lieu of a 6 MWh/25’ spacing requirement that demonstrate non-propagation of fires at module level.
Answer: Oil-filled transformers with volumes less than 500 gallons shall have their containment at least 5’ from the BESS. Oil-filled transformers with more than 500 gallons of oil shall have their containment at least 25’ from the BESS. Dominion Energy assumes that the module level “burn test” referenced is the UL9540a module-level test. This test contemplates thermal runaway (cell failure) but cannot be utilized to determine whether or not fire (if the battery off-gas is ignited) will spread from module to module, unit to unit, or container to container. Spacing (6 MWh / 25’) must remain as described in Appendix 'D' of the RFP for projects sited at the Urquhart facility or elsewhere that are proposed for transfer via a build-transfer or asset purchase arrangement to DESC ownership.
RFP 00004 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: Please explain the methodology to call a demand resource event. Is it tied to EEA events or economic events or other?
Answer: Demand response resource(s) may be called upon for any reason at DESC’s sole discretion, this includes economics or a reliability issue (loss of generation, load forecast error, etc.).
The Bidder shall clearly state any limitations on their proposed demand response resource(s).
RFP 00005 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: What is the forecast annual curtailment hours for demand resources under this RFP?
Answer: DESC has no forecast as the curtailment of a demand resource is a function of the characteristics of this highly customizable resource. It is responsibility of Bidder to clearly state any limitations on their proposed demand response resource(s).
RFP 00006 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: What is the breakdown in forecast curtailment hours by season under this RFP?
RFP 00007 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: What is the required event hours for demand resource events under this RFP? Ex. 2,3,4 hours
Answer: The Bidder shall clearly state any limitations on their proposed demand response resource(s).
DESC would note to demand response Bidders that the Company already has a large existing energy storage resource with its pumped storage plant (6+ hour energy duration) and a robust Interruptible Service (“IS”) rider program for large industrial customers. Longer duration resources will generally have greater value to DESC.
RFP 00008 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: Based on season, what time of day would DESC expect to utilize demand resources?
Answer: DESC has no forecast as the curtailment of a demand resource is a function of the characteristics of this highly customizable resource. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to clearly state any limitation on proposed DR resource(s).
Demand resources should be prepared to be called upon at any time during the day regardless of season. That said, DESC’s resource needs are generally greatest in early morning hours in winter months and in the evening hours in summer months.
RFP 00009 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: Please provide example of settlement of an DESC demand resource event. Will it differ from residential and commercial/industrial customers?
Answer: It is responsibility of Bidder to propose such terms. For the purposes of this RFP, DESC is agnostic as to the customer class of native load that is able to provide demand response.
RFP 00010 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: If aggregator is looking to build a behind the meter microgrid (Solar + Storage + Genset), will DESC look at baseline prior to project development? Ex. Dependent on baseline, solar could erode the baseline unless given assurances that the baseline view would be before commissioning.
Answer: It is the responsibility of the Bidder to provide a baseline and all assumptions used to derive the baseline forecast.
As stated in response to a prior question, the acceptance of a proposal is subject to regulatory approvals. This scenario as described creates potential issues with respect to existing rate design for behind-the-meter resources. Under no circumstances will DESC accept any demand response resource(s) through this RFP that create a customer cost shift.
RFP 00011 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: What is the earliest date that demand resources will be accepted?
Answer: Per the RFP requirements, the commercial availability of resource(s) is between 7/1/2023 and 12/31/2027.
RFP 00012 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: Is DESC open to a staggered delivery of demand side resources to reach full obligation by 12/31/2027? Ex. 2025 = 2 MW, 2026 = 5 MW, 2027 = 10 MW
Answer: DESC is open to all conforming proposals including a potentially staggered delivery schedule as suggested.
RFP 00013 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: Will DESC work with aggregator on meter logistics if focus is on Multi-Family buildings that are not master metered? Ex. 200 unit building each individually metered. Account churn due to rental. Need support from utility to ensure meter id/premise id is flagged in program for participation
Answer: Bidder shall clearly state in their proposal(s) any assumptions with respect to division of responsibilities between Bidder/aggregator and DESC. The aggregator is ultimately responsible for administration of any demand response resource(s) proposed.
RFP 00014 Published On: 11/07/2022
Question: For demand resource proposals, does the respondent only use requirements in section 6.4?
Answer: Section 6.4 of the RFP document provides the response requirements specific to demand resource proposal(s). Any other requirements specified in the RFP document applicable to all proposals must also be satisfied.
The RFP team suggests that all Bidders also review the evaluation methodology Appendix G to ensure that submissions highlight any elements of a Bidder’s proposal that they believe should be considered under the scoring approach.
RFP 00015 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: Thank you for providing answers to FAQ RFP 00002 posted at http://www.desc-rfp.com/FAQ/RFP-Process#RFP 00002. We have a follow up question regarding 1.2.1 in Appendix D of the RFP package: Would DESC consider partial US-based UL listings? For example, one of our BESS integrators has conducted a subset of the required UL-9540A tests in the US but has a separate subset that were conducted overseas. Would this satisfy the RFP requirement for BESS testing? Please advise.
Answer: Without additional information on the proposed subset of scope of what UL-9540A testing is proposed to be performed overseas, Dominion Energy would not accept this as meeting the requirements of RFP Appendix 'D'.
Generally speaking, Dominion Energy will not currently accept any UL-9540A testing performed in China.
RFP 00016 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: We have a few clarifications and requests below regarding the ‘Appendix D – Preferred Technical Specifications by Technology’ in the RFP package. We have pasted in the appropriate language from Appendix D below and our request regarding them in a bullet point. 1.2.3 A sufficient number of cells shall be forced into thermal runaway to create a condition of cell-to-cell propagation within the module during the tests - We would like to understand how this requirement would apply to technologies that cannot be forced into thermal runaway. Please see the [CONFIDENTIAL - 9540A Verification letter_Final] document where the outcome is that no thermal runaway could be achieved despite the rigorous means of testing such as overcharging, nail penetration, etc. The only outcome of the testing was venting from the cell module. If 9540A testing demonstrating no thermal runaway can be achieved, will this be sufficient to void the requirement 1.2.3 in Appendix D?
Answer: It is Dominion Energy's understanding that UL has been working with non-lithium BESS technology providers to conform to the UL9540 / 9540a test provisions and that [CONFIDENTIAL VENDOR] has completed UL 9540A cell level testing.
While this testing was unable to send the cell into thermal runaway, a module level test is still required due to the production of flammable gasses by the cell. Upon completion of the module level test, if UL determines that [CONFIDENTIAL VENDOR] needs no further testing, Dominion Energy is prepared to consider waiving the requirement for the unit level test.
RFP 00017 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: We would appreciate some detailed guidance on the RFP Resource Solicitation Cluster (RSC) interconnection study process. We have a few questions below on which we would greatly benefit from your clarification. 1) DESC has previously answered a question in the Q&A section of this RFP stating that the RSC study process can be expected to take approximately 3 months from the start of the cluster. Should the 3-month period referenced above be interpreted as the total timeline for completing all interconnection studies (All SIS Phases and Individual Facilities Studies)? 2) If the above inference is incorrect, which of the standard interconnection study phases does the RSC cluster process contain? What additional studies, if any, may be required at the end of the RSC cluster study process? Would a Phase 2 and/or 3 SIS or Facilities studies be required? If so, would they follow the timelines as laid out in the LGIP tariff? 3) Will the RSC study process entail scoping meetings prior to each study stage? Will there be a negotiation period for the LGIA as stated in the interconnection tariff? If applicable, will these processes follow the timeline as indicated in the most updated LGIP tariff language? 4) Is DESC able to provide a breakdown of all the study processes required for projects shortlisted in the RFP along with expected timelines so that bidders can effectively plan/prepare for these? Thank you very much for your support!
Answer: DESC and the RFP team can make no guarantees with respect to the duration of the Resource Solicitation Cluster process as this process is ultimately be governed by the DESC OATT and the DESC Electric Transmission Support and Planning groups. However, the RSC's duration is anticipated to primarily be a function of the number of projects that advance through to RFP shortlist selection.
DESC is providing this estimate through the RFP Q&A process to give all Bidders the same assumption to prepare their proposals to. Given the uncertainties around the number of potential projects and their nuances (i.e. interconnection POIs, technology, etc.), it is not possible to speculate on the particular details of how the RSC will unfold at this time. At the time of shortlist selection, DESC anticipates being able to (working through its Transmission Planning and Support groups) provide a more accurate roadmap for how the RSC process will unfold.
RFP 00018 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: Are you requiring all projects to meet the requirements of a PURPA Qualifying Facility?
Answer: No. This is an All Sources Request for Proposals. There are no requirements for projects to meet the qualifications of a PURPA Qualifying Facility to participate in this RFP process.
RFP 00019 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: On the Proposal List tab of Appendix F, can you explain the difference between “Asset Purchase Agreement + EPC” versus “Build transfer arrangements for facilities under development?” The former is not listed as a contract in the main RFP document.
Answer: DESC apologizes for the confusion between the two documents; the main RFP document should be considered to govern in this circumstance.
As described in the main RFP document, the RFP team is only seeking the following through this RFP process:
- Build-transfer arrangements ("BTA") for new/in-development facilities
- Asset purchase agreements ("APA") for new/in-development or existing facilities
- Power purchase agreements ("PPA") for new/in-development or existing facilities
- Demand response agreements ("DRA") for new/in-development demand response resources
- Utility self-build responses for new/in-development facilities
RFP 00020 Published On: 11/17/2022
Question: What is DESC Measurement & Verification baseline methodology for demand resources?
Answer: This is DESC's first competitive solicitation which includes third-party supplied demand resources. As such, DESC does not have a formal Measurement & Verification baseline methodology process, procedure, or guidance document available for Bidders' reference.
The RFP Team suggests that a demand resource bidder include in their proposal(s) a proposed M&V baseline methodology or reference a publicly available methodology for DESC's consideration and to inform evaluation of the Bidder's proposal.
RFP 00021 Published On: 11/17/2022
Question: Can you please provide some additional detail about when the Resource Solicitation Cluster study for the RFP will open and how long the process will take?
Answer: DESC Electric Transmission will perform a Resource Solicitation Cluster following down-select of short-listed projects. This Cluster study will be utilized to determine definitive interconnection costs before contracts are executed.
Please see RFP team responses to FAQ MISC-00004 regarding the estimated duration of the process.
RFP 00022 Published On: 12/05/2022
Question: Is the security owed only the name plate capacity of generation or is it both generation and storage? Thank you for any clarification you might provide.
Answer: Calculation of the security that must be posted will be based on the nameplate capacity (in MW-ac) of the electric transmission/distribution interconnection associated with the project.
RFP 00023 Published On: 12/05/2022
Question: Will security ultimately be lost if the project is not chosen by Dominion or will it be returned to seller?
Answer: DESC anticipates negotiation and execution of a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) for proposals that are selected to move forward to continue contract negotiations. Upon execution of an LOI, Bidders will be required to post credit security.
Bidders do not have to post security with their proposal; security is only posted in the event of a bid being selected/shortlisted and proceeding to an LOI.
RFP 00024 Published On: 12/06/2022
Question: What is the maximum size (MW) for solar and/or standalone storage assets offered into the RFP, whether by PPA, asset sale or other?
Answer: There is no maximum MW size for projects in the RFP. However, MPs are encouraged to consider how project size may affect the economics of their proposal.
The target MW-AC values for each product are listed in the RFP document, available at https://www.desc-rfp.com/RFP-Documents. CRA and DESC may deviate from the targets depending on the economics and scoring of bids in the asset categories. CRA and DESC are setting a “hard cap” on the tolerance of the Product 2 procurement target of +50% / -0%. This ensures that the existing Urquhart resources are fully replaced with some margin and flexibility for constructing a portfolio that consists of the highest scoring individual projects.
RFP 00025 Published On: 12/06/2022
Question: Per 5.5 "DESC is open to a range of term lengths" however Appendix G does not note how term length impacts the evaluation of proposals. Please clarify this.
Answer: Per 'Appendix G: RFP Evaluation Criteria', term length may impact the following evaluation criteria:
Market Participants are encouraged to review the full 'Appendix G: RFP Evaluation Criteria' for a complete list of the criteria that may be affected by the term length.
RFP 00026 Published On: 12/12/2022
Question: The DESC RFP requires that we submit our own 8760s without DST adjustment. Do you have a format of the 8760s that you would like us to follow or specific information that you would like us to include in the 8760?
Answer: Please include the following information in your 8760:
RFP 00027 Published On: 12/12/2022
Question: The RFP notes that DESC will have full control over the assets and the developer will not retain the rights to any "surplus energy" outside of that used for capacity purposes. Section 5.16 notes a $/kw-mos figure but also that DESC will accept a $/MWh denominated PPA. 1. Will developers receive payments only for capacity at $/kw-month basis, or will surplus energy be paid at avoided cost or other? 2. Comparatively, how is energy valued from a solar + storage asset vs. a natural gas turbine or other?
Answer: 1. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to determine all pricing components for each Proposal. Proposals should generally follow the recommended pricing structures for each technology as provided in Appendix F: Standard RFP Response Form. Additionally, Appendix F allows a Respondent to identify “Other price factor(s)” in the event that the Respondent desires to include additional pricing components in a Proposal. This RFP is not a PURPA-based process, and no resources bid into this RFP will include pricing based on any avoided cost calculation performed by DESC.
2. As stated above, it is the responsibility of the Respondent to determine all pricing components for each Proposal, and Proposals should generally follow the recommended pricing structures for each technology as provided in Appendix F: Standard RFP Response Form (including the ability to identify “Other price factor(s)”). During the Project Review Phase, projects will be ranked within their asset class. The top-ranking projects out of each asset class will be selected as shortlist finalists as determined by the results of Portfolio Analysis phase. More information is available in Appendix G: RFP Evaluation Criteria, available at https://www.desc-rfp.com/RFP-Documents.
RFP 00028 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: Could you elaborate what the RFP Response form is asking when they ask for Awarded/Expected MW Existing Facilities and Anticipated MW Facilities in Development?
Answer: The awarded MW and expected MW values refer to the capacity characteristics of the generation facility offered in the RFP. The 'Awarded/Expected MW Existing Facilities' value is only applicable to existing facilities. For facilitiies in develpment, please fill out the 'Anticipated MW Facilities in Development' field instead.
RFP 00029 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: In Appendix F, there is a question that uses the wording: "Awarded MW most recent planning year". Please clarify/advise if this is the MW our company has been awarded in the last 12 months, or if this is a different question.
Answer: The awarded MW value refers to the generation facility capacity characteristics. This value is only applicable to existing facilities. For facilitiies in develpment, you may leave this field blank.
RFP 00030 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: When you ask for the "cycle life" in cycles for the storage characteristics, do you mean cycles over the entire life of the battery or cycles per year?
Answer: Bidders incorporating storage (either standalone or via hybrid facilities) should explicitly provide their assumptions for number of cycles per year and any limitations on number of cycles per year applicable to their project. Additionally, the Bidder should provide the number of cycles allowed over the life of the storage asset.
RFP 00031 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: Will DESC be performing its own evaluation of charging costs for standalone storage with which it will assess standalone storage bids?
Answer: For standalone storage projects, there will not be a "fixed" charging cost "schedule" applied during evaluation of bids. As a reminder, the RFP evaluation is a two-part process:
The first part of the evaluation ranks projects within similar asset technology and class amongst themselves and is used to generate a proxy resource representative of the asset technology and class for use in the second part of the evaluation. During the second part of the evaluation, a resource optimization is performed to determine the proportion of top-ranking projects to be selected from each asset technology and class.
For standalone storage projects (a technology class distinct from hybrid facilities), the resource will operate (charge and discharge) in a manner to optimize its value to the DESC system in the optimization.
RFP 00032 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: Please advise what months and times you define as “On Peak” & “Off Peak”. For further clarity pertaining to the on peak and off peak times. The question in the RPF is looking for - actual capacity (on peak) % and this for off peak as well.
Answer: After further review, DESC has determined that there is no need for capacity factors to be provided on an on peak and off peak basis as requested in Appendix F: Standard RFP Response Form. Anuallized capacity factors,as requested, are sufficient for completing Appendix F: Standard RFP Response Form.
RFP 00033 (revised 12/20/2022) Published On: 12/16/2022
Question: Can you advise on where we should input the price adder for ever $1mm in network upgrade?
Answer: Please enter the network upgrade cost estimates in the 'Other price factor(s)' field. In the description of this field, specify that this is the "Part B price denominated on a $/MWh basis for every $1M in identified costs for upgrades to the transmission or distribution system beyond the POI."
RFP 00034 Published On: 12/20/2022
Question: Will DESC refund any interconnection deposits posted by the developer should a Definitive Agreement not be reached between the parties?
Answer: In the event that a Definitive Agreement is not reached for a project following study in the RSC, the policies contained within DESC Electric Transmission's Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT") will govern the applicable refund policies of any interconnection deposits posted by the Bidder.
RFP 00035 Published On: 02/06/2023
Question: Can you explain how stand-alone solar resources will be evaluated against solar plus storage facilities for purposes of capacity accreditation, given that storage facilities are required to provide 4 hours of winter peaking capacity, and stand-alone solar facilities will not be able to provide capacity during the entirety of that 4 hour winter peaking period?
Answer: Standalone solar resources will not be directly evaluated against hybrid solar resources.
Per the evaluation criteria of this RFP, proposals will be grouped by asset class: "Asset classes for Qualifying Proposals will consist of projects with similar technology type, contract structure, and winter capacity contribution on an ELCC basis. CRA may consult DESC on delineating asset classes as they will ultimately be used as basis for proxy candidate resources for portfolio optimization."
RFP 00036 Published On: 02/06/2023
Question: When will the Shortlist LOI Security be due if a proposal is selected?
Answer: Following notification of a proposal being shortlisted, Bidders who have shortlisted proposal(s) should plan on the LOI security of $75.00/kW-AC (nameplate) being due within thirty (30) days of the notification that they have shortlisted proposal(s).
RFP 00037 Published On: 02/08/2023
Question: Can you provide any updates on timing for project shortlist notifications as well as any guidance on RSC timeline? Projects that are in the Transition Cluster have completed Phase I and will have to post securities next Monday to maintain that course, potentially removing them from consideration in the solicitation.
Answer: The RFP Team intends to provide project shortlist selection notifications to Bidders by noon (12 PM EPT) on Friday, February 10th, 2023 to support decisionmaking for any projects selected through the RFP that are participating in the DESC Transitional Cluster interconnection process.
The RFP Team does not have an update on the timeline of a potential Resource Solicitation Cluster; Section 10.2 of the currently effective DESC Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT") governs the initiation of such a process.
RFP 00038 Published On: 01/10/2024
Question: As part of the reissuance of the Urquhart Replacement RFP, are we limited on the areas we can update/change in our initial response or are we able to remove/expand on some project areas? We are interested in submitting once again but it could mean removing some previously submitted projects and expanding on other projects.
Answer: This reissuance provides existing/original participants in the RFP the opportunity to refresh pricing and update terms and/or technical aspects of the previously proposed projects. RFP respondents may opt to not resubmit all projects that were proposed in the previous RFP. Bidders may not introduce any project that was not bid into this RFP during the initial bidding process.
RFP 00039 Published On: 01/10/2024
Question: Does the legal entity on the first response need to be the same on the reissue or can we utilize parent company legal name?
Answer: The parent company can be listed in the pre-qualification documents and will be subject to meeting the RFP’s pre-qualification requirements. DESC asks that, if the parent company legal name is used, the bidder clearly identify the relationship of the legal entity used in the prior RFP response submitted to such parent company.
RFP 00040 Published On: 01/16/2024
Question: Can you please confirm if participants are able to bid new projects in addition to our previously proposed projects in the DESC Urquhart RFP? Additionally, can you provide some guidance on what "terms" or "technical aspects" we are able to update for our previously bid projects? Is this more so related to project risks/development that we should provide updates on or are we able to adjust items like project size, ac/dc ratio, etc.
Answer: Please see FAQs RFP 00038 and MISC 00015, available at https://www.desc-rfp.com/FAQ.
RFP 00041 Published On: 03/05/2024
Question: For hybrid projects being offered for asset sale or PPA, are 8760s required?
Answer: Per the RFP, "standalone solar resources must provide anticipated project-specific performance profile (annual capacity factor, anticipated output by month, expected degradation curves, etc.) with their proposal."
This requirement applies to hybrid resources as well. The generation profile for hybrid resources should include the use of the battery component assumed in the bid to assist with DESC's understanding of the basis of the submittal. Please also review FAQ RFP 00026.
RFP 00042 Published On: 03/05/2024
Question: When will we receive LOI? Is it during the definitive agreement phase?
Answer: DESC will provide the LOI document to Bidders during the Definitive Agreements phase of the RFP. More information around the LOI and LOI Security will be sent with any future RFP selection notifications to move into the Definitive Agreements phase.
RFP 00043 Published On: 03/15/2024
Question: Can the BESS component of a hybrid facility not only charge from its own PV but from the grid as well?
Answer: Per the RFP, DESC requires that the storage component of any hybrid project must be capable of grid charging from energy delivered from its system.
RFP 00044 Published On: 03/19/2024
Question: The language around ELCC in the first Urquhart RFP referred to how the BESS would ultimately be tested for. But did not describe how such bids' ELCC were modeled / evaluated before any such operational capacity test were possible. Please confirm if there is any difference in how BESS ELCC capacity is evaluated mathematically between the first and second Urquhart RFPs.
Answer: The reissuance of the All-Source RFP is expected to follow the same evaluation process as the original RFP. For the purposes of evaluating bids for storage assets in development, the ELCC calculation will follow the process outlined in Section 5.4 of the RFP.
RFP 00045 Published On: 03/19/2024
Question: Should we include adjustments for storage in our 8760s if we have a solar + storage project we are submitting?
Answer: Yes. Please review FAQ RFP 00041.
RFP 00046 Published On: 03/21/2024
Question: Will projects with an executed IA have to move through the Resource Solicitation Cluster during the RFP process?
Answer: Absent a material modification to the project’s characteristics between what is submitted in response to the RFP and what is provided in the Interconnection Agreement, the project will not have to move through the Resource Solicitation Cluster (“RSC”).
RFP 00047 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: As bidders update the bids previously submitted in the original Urquhart RFP, can a bidder change its standalone storage bids to solar+storage or solar-only in order to provide additional design-build-transfer bid options?
Answer: No. Bidders can adjust certain parameters associated with their proposed projects (see Q&A MISC 00015), but the overall structure of the project must remain the same as was bid into the first issuance of the RFP.
RFP 00048 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: Can we use a tolling agreement on a hybrid asset PV+BESS?
Answer: PPAs incorporating tolling agreements for PV+BESS hybrid assets are acceptable. DESC's preference is that a tolling agreement would only apply to the BESS portion of the proposed facility.
RFP 00049 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: Are bidders able to submit redlines with the signed NDA that they submit for their proposals?
Answer: The RFP specifies in Section 3.5.2 that the Non-Disclosure Agreement should have been submitted (or already be in place from initial issuance of the RFP) by January 12, 2024. DESC will not consider any red-lines to the NDA at this point in the process.
RFP 00050 Published On: 05/23/2024
Question: Can you please let us know if there is a planned execution date for the PPA? It doesn’t seem clear in the RFP.
Answer: There is no definitive date that is planned for the execution of any PPA(s) that may result from this RFP.
RFP 00051 Published On: 05/23/2024
Question: Could you please clarify whether shortlist notifications will be shared in the coming days? It is unclear to us whether the delayed issuance of the 2023 DISIS Phase I cluster study report impacts your shortlist notification timeline. Given the need to post LOI security within 30 days of shortlisting, we are eager to better understand your timeline.
Answer: CRA will notify bidders identified through the initlal evaluation process in the coming days and further information will be forthcoming to all bidders. Your patience is appreciated as we continue to conduct the RFP process.
RFP 00052 Published On: 07/26/2024
Question: Now that DESC has released the DISIS 2023 Phase 1, do you intend to notify RFP participants if they have been selected for the shortlist review?
Answer: Bid status notifications were sent to all bidders on 7/11/24.
RFP 00053 Published On: 07/26/2024
Question: Could you please confirm at what point in your evaluation process you will require shortlisted projects to post security? We are unclear if that is a requirement following your initial proposal evaluation date (on/around May 3) or whether that is a requirement following Definitive Project Selection in September 2024. If possible, we’d appreciate a response as soon as reasonably possible so we can prepare resources before a potential notification over the next few days. On that note, could you also provide an update on timing for when your initial evaluation will be completed?
DESC 00001 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: Is there a nameplate size limit for each submitted project?
Answer: Per Section 5.4 of the RFP documents, the minimum size for any resource proposed through this RFP process is at least 20 MW-AC (nameplate). This is the threshold defined by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation ("NERC") for being considered part of the Bulk Electric System ("BES").
Per Section 6.1 of the RFP documents, demand response proposals must represent at least 10 MW of resource(s).
While each of the two Products (Product 1 - black start capacity, Product 2 - annual capacity) sought through the RFP has a target value (as defined in Section 2.2 of the RFP), each Product may be fulfilled by one resource, or by a number of resources in the aggregate.
MISC 00001 Published On: 10/12/2022
Question: How can bidders find transmission information for projects that may want to site at the Urquhart facility?
Answer: You can contact DESC Transmission. Contact information for DESC Transmission is available at https://www.oasis.oati.com/sceg/index.html.
MISC 00002 Published On: 10/12/2022
Question: What interconnections are available for projects locating at the Urquhart site?
Answer: The Urquhart site has two separate interconnections at 96 MW and 97 MW to the 115 KV transmission system at the Urquhart 115 KV substation. These are “grandfathered” interconnections that predate the current Large Generator Interconnection Process.
MISC 00003 Published On: 10/12/2022
Question: If the Urquhart site has two separate interconnections to the 115 KV transmission system at the Urquhart 115 KV substation, would Urquhart site bids need separate interconnection agreements to mimic the current arrangement?
Answer: A developer submitting a bid for greater than 97 MW of generation at the Urquhart site can request that the two existing 115 KV interconnections be combined into a single interconnection (i.e. a single 193 MW interconnection) if the bid(s) are shortlisted and studied through the Resource Solicitation Cluster process, however, this may trigger upgrade costs. A project that utilizes both existing interconnections (i.e. one 97 MW interconnection and one 96 MW interconnection) separately would be more akin to Generator Replacement as contemplated under DESC’s OATT. The RFP team cautions that any project that is not traditional synchronous generation may trigger upgrade costs due to differences between the existing synchronous generation and inverter-based generation. Additionally, storage projects have bi-directional flows (charging and discharging) while the existing interconnection is only unidirectional (generation).
MISC 00004 Published On: 10/21/2022
Question: We understand that bidders who are selected to move into the Definitive Agreement Phase will also enter the Resource Solicitation Cluster. Will DESC please provide more detailed information and the proposed study timeline for the Resource Solicitation Cluster? This will allow bidders to plan around development timelines and offer more certainty around commercial operation dates.
Answer: The Resource Solicitation Cluster ("RSC") will be administered by DESC Electric Transmission in accordance with the Company's Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT"), so the RFP Team cannot provide any guarantees around the duration required for the study.
The RFP Team anticipates kicking off the RSC process following evaluation activities with DESC Electric Transmission on or around February 17, 2023 (as identified in the RFP documents).
Only RFP shortlist project(s) will be studied through the RSC and the duration of the study process will be highly dependent on the number of project(s) ultimately shortlisted to fulfill the RFP requirements.
That said, the RFP Team believes it is reasonable for Bidders to assume that this process will take approximately three months from start of the RSC cluster.
Bidders should clearly identify any assumptions included in their proposal(s) around the anticipated duration of the RSC Cluster and contract negotiations/conformance following a shortlist notification. Bidders should also clearly identify any validity period for their proposal pricing and are invited to provide any escalation/de-escalation to that proposal pricing to extend that proposal validity period.
MISC 00005 Published On: 11/15/2022
Question: My question is in regard to standalone energy storage projects bidding in a PPA. To my knowledge, DESC does not have a tariff that directly addresses service to standalone energy storage projects (PR-Storage tariff only addresses hybrid projects). Rate 24 for Time-Of-Use Large General Service was not designed for front-of-the-meter standalone storage and would make any bid automatically uneconomical. Can DESC speak to what tariff we should adhere to, or should we assume that DESC will create a new PPA tariff for standalone storage in the future?
Answer: This is an All Sources Request for Proposals. It is the responsibility of Bidders to propose commercial terms with respect to their individual projects.
The Bidder is correct that DESC does not have an existing tariff in place that can serve as a "go-by" for designing a standalone energy storage project contract.
With respect to standalone energy storage to be provided through a PPA mechanism, DESC recommends that Bidders propose a tolling arrangement with the project owner never taking title to the stored energy to avoid the potential regulatory challenges of becoming a wholesale customer.
A complete bid response for any energy storage project incorporating grid charging will need to provide necessary technical information (i.e. roundtrip efficiency, assumed metering locations, etc.) for DESC to evaluate the proposal and ensure it is being evaluated equally against other potential projects of similar technology class (i.e. standalone storage, hybrid solar + storage) and contract delivery mechanism (i.e. PPA vs BTA vs APA vs self-build).
MISC 00006 Published On: 11/17/2022
Question: There is a line item in Section D of the bid response sheet (Appendix F) that asks to clarify if the unit being bid has Automatic Generation Control (AGC). Can you please clarify what AGC is, and provide us with a definition or point to a resource that clarifies what qualifies as AGC?
Answer: Automatic Generation Control ("AGC") is the ability of a resource to be directly dispatched by and respond automatically to a control signal provided by DESC Electric Transmission/System Control. DESC does not have a formal guidance document on AGC implementation within its Balancing Area Authority; technical implementation of AGC is on a resource-by-resource/project-by-project basis.
This RFP is seeking fully dispatchable resources; a resource must have the ability to utilize an AGC signal provided by DESC to be considered fully dispatchable. Bidders should explicitly state any material assumptions in their proposal concerning the provision of AGC implementation for their project(s).
MISC 00007 Published On: 11/17/2022
Question: Are any rate class ineligible for demand side resource participation in this RFP? Ex. Rate 8 etc.
Answer: DESC will not accept any proposals received through this RFP process that create a customer/customer class cost shift, nor will it sponsor the creation of any new or modification of any existing tariff(s) with respect to projects assoicated with this RFP process.
It is the obligation of the Bidder to ensure that these principles are not violated in their proposed project design.
DESC's Interruptible Service ("IS") rider program to Rates 23 and 24 is an existing demand response program that Bidders should be aware of when designing any potential demand response proposals to ensure that they do not conflict with this existing program. The terms of this rider are not intended to be a model for Respondents as they design their proposals.
MISC 00008 Published On: 12/05/2022
Question: Can the PV and BESS be separate terms? Or do they all have to follow one term length?
Answer: For hybrid facility proposals, the RFP Team strongly recommends against Bidders proposing different contract terms for assets within the facility. Such a contract arrangement will be extremely difficult to accurately model and compare to similar proposals for third-party owned hybrid assets.
To the extent a Bidder provides separate proposed contract terms for assets within a hybrid facility, the Bidder must be explicit in their proposal how they are proposing to accomplish this functionally (i.e. severability of interconnection rights between the assets, shared or standalone inverters, etc.).
MISC 00009 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: Long Term Service Agreement appears capitalized in 5.10 but it is not defined. Please provide a definition.
Answer: A Long Term Service Agreement would be any such agreement(s) with a third-party that provide for post-commercial operation activities, including, but not limited to: operational staffing, preventive/corrective/predictive maintenance, major maintenance activities (including major overhauls), and on-going compliance testing and reporting activities.
MISC 00010 Published On: 12/14/2022
Question: With regards to the RSC, if a project is shortlisted and moves into the RSC, does that mean that the Phase 1 start date would be 2/17/23 per the attached DISIS cluster study timelines? Or would it be another point in the timeline i.e. application window, customer engagement window, etc.?
Answer: The RSC will follow the process that is outlined in DESC's Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT"). The shortlist notifications associated with the RFP process will trigger the RSC initiation. The conduct of the RSC is outside of the control of the RFP Team and will be at DESC Electric Transmission's discretion withinin the bounds of the OATT.
The RFP Team would direct Bidders to Section 10.2 of the Standard Large Generator Interconnection Procedures ("LGIP") of the OATT.
MISC 00011 (revised 01/20/2023) Published On: 01/19/2023
Question: Is there a standard set of requirements that DESC uses to assess eligibility of a parent guarantee for an acceptable form of security from an entity?
Answer: For DESC to assess the eligibility of a parental guarantee as an acceptable form of security for an entity, DESC will require the entity to provide:
Each such request will be evaluated by DESC on a case-by-case basis. Per DESC’s sole discretion, (i) the parent company must be satisfactory to DESC, and (ii) any parental guarantee must be in form and substance satisfactory to DESC.
MISC 00012 Published On: 02/10/2023
Question: Can DESC provide its form LoC?
Answer: DESC will provide its form Letter of Credit for the Letter of Intent ("LOI") Security along with the form LOI document to Bidders who have been notified of their selection through the RFP process.
DESC presently plans to provide the LOI document to these Bidders no later than Monday, February 20th, 2023 and more information around the LOI and LOI Security will be sent with RFP selection notifications.
MISC 00013 Published On: 01/03/2024
Question: If contact information has changed, will that be updated via the non-binding Notice of Intent? I’ve been moved into a different org within the company and have a new email but still would be RFP lead.
Answer: Correct, you can update your contact information on Appendix A (Notice of Intent).
MISC 00014 Published On: 01/10/2024
Question: What is the meaning of facility description in the NOI?
Answer: In the Notice of Intent form due January 12, 2024, the 'Facility Description' field is optional and can include information you wish to provide in addition to information captured in other fields on the form.
MISC 00015 Published On: 01/16/2024
Question: Can DESC define what "technical aspects" we are able to change with the projects that we previously bid into the 2022 RFP? For the 2023-2024 RFP reissuance, are we able to change size, configuration, technology, etc.?
Answer: DESC will accept the following technical changes (including, but not limited to) to previous proposals:
However, the projects previously proposed in the original RFP response must be in the same/original physical location and utilize the same Point of Interconnection to the DESC system.
MISC 00016 Published On: 03/07/2024
Question: On hybrid projects can we have different PPA tenors on the PV and BESS portions of the project?
Answer: For a hybrid project, DESC views the combined PV and BESS as one facility, and the same PPA term should apply to the entire facility.
MISC 00017 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: Please define and share the curtailment % for solar and solar+storage PPA's. Please clarify if a curtailment % will be assumed in evaluating a solar or solar+storage BTA bid.
Answer: DESC has not and does not intend to define the expected level of curtailment for any resource bid into the RFP. Uncompensated curtailments are anticipated for inclusion in the PPAs associated with this RFP; and each bidder should clearly state their assumptions for uncompensated curtailments. The same can be assumed for any BTA bids.
MISC 00018 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: We understand there may be transmission related curtailment but not economic curtailment in PPAs. Please confirm the maximum % for each curtailment type. Also, will any curtailment be assumed in the BTA / DBT bids?
MISC 00019 Published On: 03/22/2024
Question: Can a PPA bid can be changed to BTA/DBT for the RFP reissuance and vice versa?
Answer: A change of the agreement type as described in this question is acceptable for the RFP reissuance. Note that this response relates to "BTA" only as "DBT" is not a defined term in the RFP. Please also review FAQ MISC 00015.
MISC 00020 Published On: 04/01/2024
Question: Will asset purchase agreement (APA) offers with a transfer date before NTP be accepted? NTP is defined as start of construction mobilization. We would like to submit APA offers where the transfer occurs in mid-stage development (projects in interconnection queue, land control complete, equipment procurement not complete) so DESC can exercise its own preference for equipment vendors.
Answer: No – such offers will not be accepted. DESC does not presently have interest in completion of mid-stage development projects for this RFP.
MISC 00021 Published On: 04/01/2024
Question: If we proposed a bid with a battery capacity slightly higher than what's in our IA, would we need to enter the RSC for just the additional capacity of the battery or would the entire PV + S project need to be studied through the RSC?
Answer: Any material modification to a project beyond its existing IA would require review under the terms of DESC's OATT.
MISC 00022 Published On: 04/23/2024
Question: If selected to execute an LOI, what are the acceptable forms of security?
Answer: The LOI security may be provided in the form of one or more of the following: a letter of credit, cash collateral, or such other form of credit support mutually agreed upon by DESC and the Respondent. All forms of LOI security must be in form and substance acceptable to DESC in its discretion.
MISC 00023 Published On: 05/10/2024
Question: We are prepping the LOI Security on our side as preparation for shortlisting. We are wondering if the LC form will be like the 2022 LOI Security form. Can you please confirm? If the form is not similar, is there any chance you may provide new form?
Answer: After any shortlisted proposals/bidders have been notified of shortlist seclection, the form of LC that may be used for the LOI Security will be provided upon requst to such shortlisted proposals/bildders with ample time for review prior to the date that the LOI Security must be posted.
MISC 00024 Published On: 07/03/2024
Question: Can you please confirm whether projects that are shortlisted in the Dominion RFP and consequently enter the Resource Solicitation Cluster process can continue to remain in DISIS? Our project needs to determine by mid-July whether or not it will stay in DISIS.
Answer: CRA is currently conducting follow-up communications with several bidders in this process. CRA and DESC are aware of the forthcoming readiness milestone for participants in the 2023 DISIS interconnection process and anticipate being able to provide an update to all bidders by the end of next week (Friday, July 12th).
MISC 00025 Published On: 07/09/2024
Question: Can DESC confirm if projects in the Minimum Thermal Bid group are similar to a "reserve list" and have the ability to move forward with contracting if projects in the Reference Scenario group withdraw from the RFP?
Answer: No, the Minimum Thermal Build portfolio is not intended to serve as a “reserve list” of projects to potentially move forward if a project initially selected for contracting is unable to move forward.
MISC 00026 Published On: 07/26/2024
Question: Are projects that are not selected for shortlisting placed in a reserve list in the case that any shortlisted projects are not selected? We are wondering if our project may still be eligible in the case that if a shortlisted project drops out.
Answer: No 'reserve list' of proposals is specifically envisioned in the RFP Documents.