GEN 00002 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Will red-lines to the NDA be accepted?
Answer: Duke is willing to review and consider minor edits to the NDA on a case-by-case basis.
GEN 00003 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Does the transmission interconnect have to be on a line that is owned by Duke, or can it be on a line that is in the subject service area, such as a Centerpoint line?
Answer: There is no requirement that projects be in DEI’s system. There is a strong preference for projects located in MISO LRZ6. Projects must also be transmission level projects.
GEN 00004 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Are there any affiliate restrictions associated with this RFP? For example, in Duke Energy Carolinas, there are restrictions on project ownership %’s and caps on affiliate offer sizes.
Answer: There are no affiliate-specific restrictions that apply to affiliate bids or self builds. DEI and affiliates of DEI can submit projects into the process so long as the projects meet the basic requirements for participation. All bids including self builds and affiliate bids, will be evaluated using the same evaluation criteria being applied to all projects submitted into the RFP. DEI and affiliates will be afforded no special advantages or special restrictions in the process.
GEN 00005 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Is Duke looking to self-build assets instead/in addition to this RFP? If submissions are not favorable would they look to self-build and not accept bids?
Answer: Duke is considering self-build options and those projects will be evaluated as part of the RFP process using the same evaluation criteria that applies to all process bids.
GEN 00006 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Will you give preference to projects that have more advanced MISO queue positions and thus have less uncertainty on their MISO and Affected System upgrade costs? For example, 2020 DPP queues may be past Phase 3 while 2021 will (maybe?) be past Phase 1 by the bid due date. Would these proposal be weighted equally or would the DPP 2021 project be penalized for uncertainty of upgrade costs?
Answer: Projects will be evaluated consistent with the evaluation criteria posted to the Information Website. The Development Risk scoring category outlines how points will be awarded for projects based on their development stage.
GEN 00007 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Is there a target %, minimum, or maximum capacity of the total non-intermittent supply that DEI would like to be met by BESS projects? Could that number be as low as 0% or as high as 100% of the total MW target?
Answer: There is no technology-specific target or carve out within the intermittent or non-intermittent RFPs. The RFP documents include tentative targets for each broad category. However, as noted in the solicitation documents, DEI reserves the right to deviate from those targets based on the bids received. DEI may contract with greater or fewer MW for each category than what is identified in Table 2 of the Solicitation documents.
GEN 00008 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Is Duke Energy Indiana interested in the possibility of purchasing the energy storage system directly to avoid mark up costs by the developers/EPCs?
Answer: Through this RFP DEI is soliciting bids for turnkey projects or similar. DEI is not soliciting options to purchase equipment to supply to developers for use in DEI projects.
GEN 00009 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/03/2022
Question: For a solar facility paired with storage, can you submit the solar + storage as an intermittent resource and then the storage as standalone as a non-intermittent resource?
Answer: DEI would encourage bidders to submit all bids and options. For the specific scenario described, CRA would request that the bidders identify if bid submissions are mutually exclusive or not.
GEN 00010 Published On: 03/03/2022
Question: Is nuclear considered for a resource for the non-intermittent RFP?
Answer: DEI would consider all options that meet the state resource location requirement for the RFP. Since it is an all-source RFP, DEI will consider a wide range of resources options however, bids for standalone coal assets will not be accepted.
GEN 00011 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/03/2022
Question: The non-intermittent RFP mentions hydrogen burning capabilities and is that something that needs to be in place now or a potential component in the future?
Answer:
DEI is open to hydrogen bids but bids should be far enough in planning and development to be transaction ready projects. This means bidders need to have specific details about the project's development and the anticipated costs, including a detailed description of the facility capabilities, the infrastructure available to support fuel blending, as well as capital costs and uncertainties associated with such operations. Bids would need this level of detail to be evaluated against more traditional resources. Facilities amenable to carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) should similarly describe the facility capabilities, infrastructure requirements, potential sequestration opportunities and costs to achieve.
DEI encourages bidders to provide information on any facility’s capabilities to blend or substitute hydrogen for natural gas as a fuel source or submit bids supported in full or in part with other emerging technologies or capabilities.
GEN 00014 Published On: 03/08/2022
Question: For development projects is there a preference for selling projects that are at some stage of development or at NTP or at COD?
Answer: We contemplate that we’d acquire projects at one of two points, depending on the bid structure chosen. Under an APA approach, we would acquire the project upon completion of specified conditions precedent related to the development of the project, effectively to get the project ready to start construction (NTP, as referenced in the question). Under at BTA approach, we would acquire the project when the facility is mechanically complete (as defined under the agreement), but has not been energized or placed in service.
GEN 00015 Published On: 03/10/2022
Question: As MISO study results are still pending for some Study Groups, will participants have the opportunity to adjust the submitted price based on the outcome of the study (network upgrade costs)?
Answer: Bidders are expected to submit a firm price for their projects. If a project receives MISO study result information that materially impacts the project cost, DEI will consider changes in network upgrade costs on a case by case basis.
GEN 00016 Published On: 03/11/2022
Question: Would Duke Energy Indiana consider solar projects that are not at 100% NRIS?
Answer: DEI’s RFP is intended to solicit bids to meet its future capacity needs which is dependent upon NRIS qualification. While NRIS interconnected capacity is essential to meet those needs, ERIS interconnected capacity located in the DEI balancing area could meet those needs as well. Therefore, DEI is accepting bids for NRIS and ERIS interconnected resources and combinations thereof . The intermittent and non-intermittent solicitation documents requests that each "Respondent shall also detail its MISO generator interconnection queue position, if any, and the types and amounts of transmission service requested (e.g. 50 MW of NRIS and/or 25 MW of Energy Resource Interconnection Service (“ERIS”))." The value of NRIS, ERIS, or combinations and the resource’s location will be used in the evaluation process to determine the relative value of each proposal to DEI.
GEN 00017 Published On: 03/14/2022
Question: With respect to the LOI and term sheet in Appendix E, under what circumstances does DEI prefer to use A) APA, B) APA plus EPC, or C) BTA?
Answer: DEI is open to all proposal structures and does not have a stated preference for any particular construct. Bidders may also offer the same project under alternative acquisition frameworks. Please note that APA plus EPC may require additional analysis and review on the cost to completion from DEI.
GEN 00018 Published On: 03/14/2022
Question: Does DEI have a preference among the 3 options in Appendix E - A) APA, B) APA plus EPC, or C) BTA?
Answer: DEI is open to all proposal structures. Bidders may also offer the same project under alternative acquisition frameworks. Please note that APA plus EPC may require additional analysis and review on the cost to completion from DEI.
GEN 00020 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/17/2022
Question: Does Duke have a preference of solar resource datasets used for generation production estimates for BTAs?
Answer: The Duke Energy Indiana (DEI) RFP does not require the use of a specific solar resource dataset (TMY - typical meteorological year) to be used for generation production estimates, DEI would recommend the use of any major, acceptable datasets commonly used in the solar development industry consisting of a sufficient representative historical time period such as 20 years to provide the best estimate of future anticipated solar production.
GEN 00021 Published On: 03/18/2022
Question: Would a firm LD energy only product delivered to the listed locations be acceptable, or is capacity required to accompany the energy?
Answer: DEI's RFP is considering both intermittent and non-intermittent resources in support of the company’s capacity needs and is not considering energy only products.
GEN 00023 Published On: 12/01/2023
Question: When do you expect to release the RFP?
Answer: The 2023 All-Source RFP is expected to be released in mid-December of 2023.
GEN 00024 Published On: 12/14/2023
Question: What steps will CRA take to validate DEI and/or affiliate proposals? Oftentimes such proposals constitute the only thermal bids, so special care is necessary to make sure they are truly competitive offers.
Answer: Any entity is invited to submit a written proposal in accordance with the requirements described in each RFP. Any proposal that meets the requirements for participation in the relevant RFP will be evaluated consistent with the process detailed in the Evaluation Criteria document (Appendix G). CRA’s role as Independent Third-Party Administrator and RFP Manager is to encourage participation in the RFP and to evaluate third-party and self-build proposals on an equal footing. Suggesting to respondents whether their offers may be considered “competitive” or not would be inappropriate and may be considered a manipulation of the RFP outcome.
GEN 00025 Published On: 12/19/2023
Question: Are there circumstances in which an RFP proposal for a Zone 4 non-intermittent resource under development could be selected for more than a 5 year PPA?
Answer: Any proposals from facilities located outside of LRZ6 will only be considered for contract term lengths no longer than 5 years. For more information, see Table 1 In the Non-Intermittent RFP document.
GEN 00026 Published On: 12/21/2023
Question: Is the DEI MISO Load Balancing Authority ("LBA") the same as the DEI Service Territory on page 4 of the RFP document?
Answer: DEI's LBA area is the same as DEI's service territory.
GEN 00027 Published On: 01/05/2024
Question: I note that there has been an extension of the proposal due date. Is there also an extension to complete the changes to the NDA for execution?
Answer: The Pre-Qualification documents (Appendices A-C) due date has been moved to January 16.
GEN 00028 Published On: 01/05/2024
Question: Is there any survey, construction, or easement preparation components to this RFP? Or is it solely for purchase or contractual control of generating stations?
Answer: The RFP is open to all facilities currently in the MISO queue, facilities that have completed all requirements associated with participation in the MISO queue, and facilities using MISO’s Generator Replacement Process. Bidders should provide either a valid MISO queue number or a completed MISO Generation Interconnection (“GI”) Application Checklist along with an affirmation that the project meets all MISO requirements for site control outlined in the MISO Site Control Submission Checklist. Both checklist forms are available on the RFP Website at https://deirfp.com/RFP-Documents.
GEN 00029 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: First Solar Series 6 modules are listed as approved; will Duke also approve the use of Series 7?
Answer: First Solar Series 7 modules are not approved for Duke Energy projects.
GEN 00030 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Fluence Gen6 Cube is listed as approved; will Duke also approve the Fluence Gridstack Pro (newest product)?
Answer: The Company has not separately specified any approved BESS enclosures. Bidders should input the proposed BESS enclosure information in the appropriate section of the RFP response form.
GEN 00031 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Inverters options for 690V systems on for BESS are approved; however the Gridstack Pro requires an 850V inverter solution. Will inverters such as Gamesa, PE, or a newer iteration of the EPC inverters be approved?
Answer: Technology on the AVL currently is preferred. A bidder can provide an alternate option but Duke would need to perform due diligence before additional vendors can be approved. If the data and information required for due diligence is not available in a timely manner the approval process will be delayed and in that scenario Duke can not guarantee approval for the proposed product for the RFP.
GEN 00032 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Will you do a portfolio analysis of all shortlisted projects before selection? How will that be done?
Answer: DEI will conduct a portfolio modeling exercise which will guide the selection of an optimal portfolio of assets to be advanced to the final negotiations phase. Inputs to the portfolio modeling will be provided by CRA and will consist of representative “tranches” of resources in the RFP providing market-based cost and performance characteristics by resource type. CRA will also evaluate the economics and other scoring considerations related to each proposal independent of DEI or any DEI affiliates and will provide the utility with a ranked list of projects to consider for advancement to the final negotiations phase. The ranked list of projects will be based on the results of the portfolio modeling. To the extent required, CRA may support additional due diligence conducted prior to final selections and contracting.
GEN 00033 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Could you please explain what assumptions around dispatch, operating time, energy project will be used in calculations of annual operating costs under Section 2.1?
Answer: Where applicable, assumptions will be consistent with those used in the IRP scenarios.
GEN 00034 Published On: 01/11/2024
Question: Will there be other RFPs issued to consider solar less than 50 MW ICAP?
Answer: Currently there is no information to share about future RFPs.
GEN 00035 Published On: 01/15/2024
Question: How will the bid be submitted--through email or portal uploads?
Answer: Pre-Qualification documents are to be submitted via email to the RFP Manager. Proposals are due February 23, 2024, and are to be submitted via secure file-sharing service that pre-qualified applicants will be granted access to.
GEN 00036 Published On: 01/18/2024
Question: On the APA, is Duke Energy Indiana interested in Assets that are in the early stages of development and can be sold as is or are they interested in us completing the project to NTP?
Answer: Refer to FAQ GEN 00014.
GEN 00037 Published On: 01/19/2024
Question: Is there a timeline laying out the steps following the February 23rd submission?
Answer: Additional due diligence and definitive agreements signed with bidders is expected to be conducted in Q2-Q3 2024.
GEN 00038 Published On: 01/24/2024
Question: Could you please provide more guidance on how to fill out the Appendix F spreadsheet required for intermittent and non-intermittent resources? This spreadsheets requests expected MWh production, capacity factor, outage rates, etc. How do you recommend bidders predict this?
Answer: Respondents shall provide forecasted MWh production, capacity factor, and outage rates, to the extend these are available. Respondent output estimates may be used as the basis for expected facility output for any final PPA agreements.
Additional information for solar facilities is available in FAQ GEN 00020.
GEN 00039 Published On: 01/24/2024
Question: Are asset transfers with a pre-NTP transfer date accepted? In the Response Form, the dropdown in row 10 implies only direct sale of existing facilities or build transfers are accepted.
Answer: Please see Q&A GEN 00014 regarding NTP requirements. If your response doesn't fall into the options provided in the bid form, you may utilize the Notes Section of the bid form to enter your response.
GEN 00040 Published On: 01/24/2024
Question: Are Asset Purchase Acquisition bids only for operating facilities? Or can facilities under development also bid for an NTP acquisition (without necessarily a BTA agreement)?
Answer: Facilities under development can bid in the RFP and will follow the term sheet for Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) proposals in Appendix E (Key Commercial Terms - Acquisition). Also review Q&A GEN 00014.
GEN 00041 Published On: 01/26/2024
Question: Does DEI have a strong preferrence towards either a hub-settled or a node-settled PPA?
Answer: Per Section 5.16 of the 2023 RFP, for "Unit contingent or system power PPA arrangements priced at Cin.PSI, Indiana Hub or the project bus-bar. Duke’s preference ranking is as follows" in this order:
1. Cin.PSI node,
2. Indiana Hub, or
3. facility bus-bar
GEN 00042 Published On: 01/29/2024
Question: Per the RFP, "Potential counterparties should assume DEI will be the Market Participant (“MP”) for both owned and PPA resources." Can you please explain what "Market Participant" means in the context of this RFP?
Answer: As market participants, companies are legal entities certified by MISO to submit bids to purchase energy, submit offers to supply or reserve energy, hold financial transmission [or auction revenue] rights and other market-related activities. Source:https://www.misoenergy.org/markets-and-operations/mp-registration/market-participation
GEN 00043 Published On: 01/29/2024
Question: Can you please confirm DEI's definition for on-peak and off-peak hours?
Answer: On Peak: Period of time between Hour-ending 0700 EST through and including Hour-ending 2200 Hours EST Monday through Friday excepting New Year’s, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day or if the holiday occurs on a Sunday, the Monday immediately following the holiday. Off peak are hours that are not On peak. Source: https://help.misoenergy.org/knowledgebase/article/KA-01299/
GEN 00044 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: Can you please provide guidance as to how capacity will be weighed from season to season with regards to the NPV per MW UCAP criteria? Does Duke place greater weight on maximizing capacity in specific seasons?
Answer: The economic analysis of proposals will be consistent for all technologies within resource categories. Seasonal MISO Loss of Load Expectations (“LOLE”) will be used to quantify the relative capacity contribution by resource type by season. Resource planning modeling will identify the portfolio most consistent across seasonal capacity contributions and Duke’s needs.
GEN 00045 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: What dates can we assume for contract execution, NTP, and regulatory approval?
Answer: The Definitive Agreement Phase is scheduled to commence in April 2024.
GEN 00046 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: Can you please provide guidance as to whether two technical solutions for the same project should be submitted in two separate bids? Or, can they be proposed within a single bid?
Answer: Multiple proposals/bids may be submitted per project, and a different technical solution would constitute a different proposal. Each proposal/bid must be accompanied by an Appendix F (Standard RFP Response Form). Thus, multiple Appendix F forms should be submitted if a project is offered under different technical solutons. If other supporting documents apply to multiple proposals, this should be clearly identified in the file name and content of each document.
GEN 00047 Published On: 02/01/2024
Question: We would like to propose a possible integrator for a BESS project not on the Approved Vendor List (AVL). What steps would we have to take and what materials should we provide for Duke to perform due diligence and get the BESS integrator approved?
Answer: The BESS integrator not on the AVL can be provided as an alternate bid if technical documents for the solution are included in the bid proposal. The base bid must conform with the Approved Vendor List.
GEN 00048 Published On: 02/06/2024
Question: If our project site layout cannot fully conform to Duke's Site Layout Guidance regarding excluding all areas with Depth to Bedrock less than 150 cm, can we still submit a non-conforming bid? The current project site layout includes areas that do not conform to this guidance, so would you suggest we limit the project site to the land conforming to the bedrock requirements or submit a higher nameplate capacity project which has several areas within the layout that do not conform with the bedrock requirements?
Answer: The RFP SITE LAYOUT AND PVSYST GUIDANCE apply to Asset Transfer and Build Own Transfer proposals. You may submit a PPA proposal for the site layout that doesn't conform to the RFP site layout guidance. Asset Transfer or Build Own Transfer proposals for a non-conforming site layout will not be evaluated.
More than one proposal may be submitted for the same project/facility. In your case, you may also opt to submit proposals for the lower nameplate capacity that would conform to the site layout. Such proposals may be submitted as either PPA, Asset Transfer, or Build Own Transfer.
GEN 00049 Published On: 02/06/2024
Question: Is a P90 8760 or P90 capacity factor required for PPA offers for projects in development? Appendix F, row 107 provides space to fill this information only for existing facilities, but the RFP document notes the P90 capacity factor requirement.
Answer: A P50 8760 forecast is required and a template is available at DEI RFP > RFP Documents. Forecasted P50 and P90 capacity factors are also required in Appendix F.
GEN 00050 Published On: 02/13/2024
Question: Can you provide an estimate of the timeline for typical IURC approval relating to the winning bids in this RFP? Should we expect not to receive final regulatory approval until some time in 2025?
Answer: Please see the response to FAQ GEN 00045. No further information regarding regulatory approval is available at this time.
GEN 00051 Published On: 02/13/2024
Question: If our project is to come on-line by the end of 2028, is 12/31/2032 still the preferred start date for a non-intermittent PPA? Or does DEI have preference for an earlier start date of the PPA?
Answer: Both the intermittent and non-intermittent RFPs are seeking bids from resources with in-service dates from the near-term to 12/31/2032. 12/31/2032 is the latest acceptable project in-service date. It is preferred that the earliest project in-service date is provided with the bid.
RFP respondents are encouraged to submit multiple proposals/bids if different PPA start terms or in-service dates can be offered. Each proposal/bid must be accompanied by an Appendix F (Standard RFP Response Form).
GEN 00052 Published On: 02/14/2024
Question: Is there a preferred time interval for creating time series profiles? (Ex. battery terminal voltage recorded every 4 seconds, or every 1 minute?) Does a time series location need to be recorded by a meter directly or is calculating the value sufficient? (Ex. In some cases, aux consumption may be calculated as HV meter - MV meter - MPT losses.)
Answer: Bidders are requested to provide hourly data for the time series profiles. If more granular data is available, it can be provided additionally. Meter and calculated values are both sufficient but should be labeled as such.
GEN 00053 Published On: 02/14/2024
Question: Will Duke accept a passing score from another system other than Avettea, such as ISNetworld? Will Duke accept a variance?
Answer: Avetta is the only approved system.
GEN 00054 Published On: 02/21/2024
Question: Can standalone storage offers be in $/kW-mo, rather than $/kW-yr, for a tolling structure?
Answer: Please multiply the $/kW-month value by 12 to provide any data requested in $/kW-year.
MISO 00002 Published On: 04/02/2024
Question: As you know, the MISO DPP interconnection application window is now open and will close on April 18th. To make strategic decisions about whether to submit for this year’s DPP cycle, we seek DEI’s guidance regarding the timeline fort shortlist notifications. Does DEI plan to release these notifications before the application window closes? Could you please provide the expected date for the release of these notifications? This information would be extremely beneficial in assisting us to manage our financial commitments effectively and to align our strategy with DEI.
Answer: No. CRA and Duke are working to evaluate the proposals and conduct additional due diligence. Bidders will be notified once the evaluation team is comfortable with the project rankings.
AGR 00001 Published On: 02/25/2022
Question: We intend to bid a number of projects that are each in our affiliated entities (a project LLC). Would we sign a separate confidentiality agreement with each LLC? Or just one with the parent/affiliate which is the bidder developing the projects?
Answer: It will be sufficient to submit one for the parent and reference the affiliated entities in the NDA.
AGR 00002 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: When is definitive documentation expected to be executed? There is a significant LC requirement upon execution.
Answer: Please refer to the process timeline included in the solicitation documents and RFP Appendix H for collateral requirements.
AGR 00003 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F: In a self-bid regulated project, it’s unclear what should be included in the acquisition price. Should we include the total cost including AFUDC or other? For a self-bid regulated project, should the title transfer date be populated with the in-service date?
Answer: For a self build project, the acquisition price should include all costs that would be included in rate base. The in-service date would suffice for the title transfer date.
AGR 00004 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, Capital Expenditures: for a self-bid regulated project, should the project cash flow be put in these cells or are these cells only meant for ongoing capital?
Answer: These cells are for ongoing capital expenses. They are not intended to cover cash flows during construction.
AGR 00005 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, the total number of hours that the unit can be assumed to be in startup varies by dispatch but estimates can be provided various dispatch scenarios that will be covered by the air permit. Please confirm this is acceptable.
Answer: This is acceptable.
AGR 00006 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, Summer, Winter, Shoulder – what is the assumed temperature and relative humidity for each of the seasons. Should the Summer ratings be based on the MISO Summer Peak Time and temperature for the specific location? Currently MISO only requires Summer data so Winter and Shoulder conditions are not known at our site.
Answer: Bidders should include representative values and provide any clarifying assumptions for the values .
AGR 00007 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, is startup the time to emission compliance or to full load?
Answer: The startup time is for full load.
AGR 00008 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, Startup Heat Rate: Is this the total fuel during startup divided by the total kW during startup regardless of the startup time?
Answer: Yes. Provide the total fuel during startup divided by the total kW.
AGR 00009 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, startup times vary according to hot, warm and cold starts. Assume we will provide all three. Please confirm.
Answer: Bidders should include representative values and provide any clarifying assumptions for the values.
AGR 00010 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, shutdown hours varies by dispatch but estimates can be provided for various dispatch scenarios that will be covered by the air permit. Please confirm that this is acceptable.
Answer: Yes. This is acceptable.
AGR 00013 Published On: 03/08/2022
Question: What is the purpose of the PPA term sheets and will redlines to that be allowed?
Answer: The term sheets are intended to provide a degree of certainty as to contractability prior to award of capacity under the RFP, and to streamline definitive document negotiation in advance. The term sheets provided are to give bidders a general indication of the type of agreement that will be executed in support of the facility. The term sheets are provided for guidance and as general reference documents. DEI is not posting the documents as a fully formed agreement for redline purposes. DEI wants bidders to understand the kind of agreement they would be expected to execute if their project is selected.
AGR 00014 Published On: 12/19/2023
Question: Can we get Word document versions of Appendix B and Appendix E for mark up?
Answer: Appendix B (Mutual Confidentiality Agreement): A Word version has been added to the Documents page and minor edits will be considered by DEI.
As to Appendix E: The term sheets are provided for guidance and as general reference documents. DEI is not posting the documents as a fully formed agreement for redline purposes. Please review the response in FAQ AGR 00013.
AGR 00015 Published On: 12/20/2023
Question: For the Non-Intermittent RFP, what is the purpose of Appendix D - Storage Specs? Are those for references only? Or respondent must comply with the specs noted in the documents? If so, which documents?
Answer: Projects offered for acquisition are expected to comply with the Appendix D specifications. Per the Non-Intermittent RFP document, Section 4.2:
"Bidders submitting assets to DEI for acquisition should confirm in their proposal that projects will conform fully with the technical specifications or identify any aspects of their project that do not conform with the preferred specification. DEI may consider acquiring projects that do not fully conform with Appendix D, depending upon the materiality of the deviation. DEI reserves the right to disqualify from further consideration any acquisition proposal that does not substantially confirm with the preferred specification."
AGR 00016 Published On: 12/21/2023
Question: I noticed the current NDA does not have a governing law or term length for confidentiality included. Is this something DEI plans to revise and issue a new NDA? The 2022 NDA associated with the RFP has Indiana for governing law and a term length of two years.
Answer: The current NDA/Confidentiality Agreement document contains the term length in Section 5 (Survival of Obligations) and the governing law in Section 7 (Governing Law). The document can be found as Appendix B at https://deirfp.com/RFP-Documents.
AGR 00017 Published On: 12/21/2023
Question: In the Non-Intermittent Appendix F (RFP response form) and Exhibit A-4 site layout guide, the term Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) is used. Appendix F states that STORAGE COSTS - BTA AGREEMENT (applicable only to Build-Own-Transfer proposals). Is Duke using BOT and BTA interchangeably for this RFP? If not, does a BTA fall under Asset Transfer or Build Own Transfer per Exhibit A-4?
Answer: Successful Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) proposals in the RFP are expected to execute a Build Transfer Agreement (BTA).
AGR 00018 Published On: 01/04/2024
Question: For completion of Appendix A that is due by 1/16/2024, do we only need to complete page 1 of 5 initially? Or do pages 2 thru 5 of 5 need to be completed as well?
Answer: Completing page 1 of Appendix A is required. In the subsequent pages, please provide the requested information about the facilities that will be offered in the RFP, to the extent available. Facility information provided in Appendix A is not binding and can be updated in the Proposals due February 23.
AGR 00019 Published On: 01/04/2024
Question: We would like to submit a set of redlines on the NDA posted to RFP website. Where should I direct that request?
Answer: You may send proposed edits to the NDA to the RFP Manager at deirfp@crai.com.
AGR 00020 Published On: 01/04/2024
Question: Within Appendix F, which tab should be filled in for a Solar-only project? There is a tab labeled "(Hybrid) Solar PPA '23" but not a tab for standalone Solar (although there is one for standalone Wind). Please confirm and thank you!
Answer: The '(Hybrid) Solar PPA '23' tab is for both Solar-only and Solar Plus Storage proposals. If you are proposing a Solar-only project, you do not have to fill in Section D.
AGR 00021 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Will PPA offers be evaluated using the approved vendors list or does the list only apply to APA and BTA offers?
Answer: The Approved Vendor List applies to APA and BTA proposals and not to PPA proposals.
AGR 00022 Published On: 01/10/2024
Question: Could you please define "Capacity Asset" that is mentioned in Appendix G - Evaluation Criteria?
Answer: The term Capacity Asset in Appendix G refers to the asset/facility offered in this RFP.
AGR 00023 Published On: 01/15/2024
Question: Will Word documents of the PPA and BTA terms be made available for mark-up? The RFP Documents currently only include PDFs.
Answer: Please review FAQ AGR 00013. DEI is not posting the term sheets as fully formed agreements for redline purposes. DEI wants bidders to understand the kind of agreement they would be expected to execute if their project is selected.
AGR 00024 Published On: 01/16/2024
Question: We have multiple projects that we are considering bidding. But we are only sure about one at the moment. Is it ok to add the additional projects after submitting the NOI?
Answer: The Notice of Intent is non-binding. Project-specific information can be updated after submitting the NOI, if needed.
AGR 00025 Published On: 01/17/2024
Question: In response to the Appendix E’s provided, would you accept our specific Term Sheets or do you need an issues list?
Answer: Refer to FAQ AGR 00013.
AGR 00026 Published On: 01/19/2024
Question: RFP Manager, is it possible for you to make available a word document version of the PPA Term Sheet (Appendix E) to help ease of review?
Answer: Please refer to FAQ AGR 00014.
AGR 00027 Published On: 01/24/2024
Question: Can you please confirm how facilities in development should answer questions similar to the following --- Appendix F, Section E: Ancillary Benefits - Excel Line 658 - "Can the unit start from a dead buss (black start)?" Should facilities still in development answer such questions based on their current expectations of the project's future capability?
Answer: Your understanding is correct. For a facility in development, the proposal should describe the expected capabilities of the facility.
AGR 00028 Published On: 01/26/2024
Question: Is there required site layout and PVSyst guidance that bidders should adhere to?
Answer: Please see Appendix D files for site layout and PVSyst guidance. All documents, including Appendix D, are provided on the RFP Documents page of this website.
AGR 00029 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: Exhibit A-1-2 - Design Criteria - Electrical-Civil calls out 12ft agg. base perimeter roads while Exhibit A-4 RFP Site Layout does not call out perimeter roads (only interior access and main access). Does Duke require perimeter roads around all of the array blocks (outside or inside of the fence)? Or is this just guidance for exterior roads that are not to an inverter/POI?
Answer: Perimeter roads are not required if not specified for a project. If perimeter roads are included, the construction needs to comply with the standard.
AGR 00030 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: Per Section 5.10 of the non-intermittent RFP: "Respondents shall identify the total number of operating hours and remaining life for each major turbine component subject to replacement and/or refurbishment as part of the major maintenance cycle. Respondents shall provide historical and budgeted capital expenditures for the facility. Historical capital expenditures shall be provided for each of the past three (3) years. Budgeted capital expenditures shall be provided along with a description of the projects involved for each of next three (3) years for existing facilities and the first three (3) full years of operations for facilities in development." Does that only apply to thermal bids or does this apply to storages bids as well? If it applies to storage bids, would you want the total number of hours and remaining life per rack? per module?
Answer: Please provide the information requested in Appendix F (Standard RFP Response Form). There is a separate Appendix F sheet for Standalone Storage vs. Thermal/Other resource types. To the extent that a clarification is needed, you can provide your clarification in the Notes section of the relevant sheet in Appendix F.
AGR 00031 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: In Appendix F, can you please provide guidance as to how line 713 – “Provide Documentation for All Site Control Agreements (Including Recorded Memorandums)” differs from line 724 – “Provide Documentation for the Site Layout.”
Answer: For site control guidance, refer to Q&A RUL 00005. For site layout guidance, refer to Q&As AGR 00028 and RUL 00014. All Q&As are available at https://deirfp.com/FAQ.
AGR 00032 Published On: 01/30/2024
Question: Which tab in Appendix F should be used for a project that is a solar + wind + storage hybrid?
Answer: If all three technologies are bid as one offering at the same location, fill out the "Hybrid Solar" and "Wind" sheets in Appendix F and indicate that both sheets are part of the same offering.
AGR 00033 Published On: 02/01/2024
Question: In 4.2C of the RFP document, what does DEI mean by saying the project must have a minimum summer capacity rating of 50MW ICAP? Is DEI expecting bidders to apply ELCC to the projects nameplate capacity?
Answer: The ratings in 4.2C of the RFP document are the summer installed capacities without any ELCC applied.
AGR 00034 Published On: 02/01/2024
Question: Should the Solar plus Storage (Hyrid) 8760 only show the generation profile of the Solar submitted given that battery is dispatchable and its dispatch is subject to hourly price assumptions in each year similar to gas units? In addition, can you please provide guidance as to where the preferred Duke 8760 template can be found that is referenced in row 137 of Appendix F for Hybrid Solar PPA Responses?
Answer: Correct, the generation profile for hybrid resources should assume no use of the battery component. An 8760 template is now available at https://deirfp.com/RFP-Documents.
AGR 00035 Published On: 02/05/2024
Question: Should we submit two distinct proposals with two offer narratives and two response forms if we're submitting a 400 MW facility and the same facility at a 200MW variant?
Answer: A separate Appendix F will be required for each of these proposals. If there are other supporting documents that apply to both proposals, please submit a single copy and identify in the file name and content the proposals that each file applies to.
AGR 00036 Published On: 02/07/2024
Question: Row 380 of the Solar PPA Appendix F requests Landowner Consents. Can you please clarify what is meant by consents?
Answer: We are asking bidders to provide acknowledgement of site control; this is a field on the PPA Bid Form (Appendix F).
AGR 00037 Published On: 02/19/2024
Question: What is meant by Solar Degradation Rate in Appendix F (Intermittent RFP Response Form)? Is this the rate at which we expect the plant out put to decrease of the years?
Answer: Correct, please provide an average degradation rate per year.
AGR 00038 Published On: 02/19/2024
Question: In completing the offer form, we were hoping DEI could clarify what they are looking to see for the Net Summer Capacity (MW) @ POI and the Net Winter Operating Capacity (MW @ POI). Is there a definition we can use that specifies the seasonal capacities? We aren't entirely sure what to include here.
Answer: Net summer operating capacity: The maximum output that generating equipment can supply to summer system load. This output reflects a reduction in capacity due to electricity use for station service or auxiliaries.
Net winter operating capacity: The maximum output that generating equipment can supply to winter system load. This output reflects a reduction in capacity due to electricity use for station service or auxiliaries.
AGR 00039 Published On: 02/21/2024
Question: For Exhibit A-1-4-6 (Generation Substation – T/D Retail Substation Design Guide), would vacuum breakers, instead of gas breakers, be acceptable for transformer protection?
Answer: Alternate equipment may only be submitted as a line item cost alternative accompanying a compliant base bid. Complete details, specifications, and justification for the alternate equipment must be supplied to be considered for evaluation.
AGR 00040 Published On: 02/21/2024
Question: Can Duke provide the SolCast weather file and soiling calculator needed to satisfy the PVsyst requirements under the BTA?
Answer: The Meteonorm 8.1 weather file integral to PVsyst may be used for the preliminary PVsyst model. The soiling calculator does not apply to this phase, please assume zero soiling in the preliminary PVsyst model.
RUL 00001 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: If my project does not substantially conform with the posted technical requirements, can I bid it as a PPA?
Answer: Yes. The technical requirements apply to asset sales and other asset transfer agreements. They do not apply to power purchase agreements.
RUL 00002 Published On: 03/03/2022
Question: Would hybrid facilities (solar + storage) fall under the intermittent or non-intermittent RFP?
Answer: Solar paired with storage will be considered an intermittent resource.
RUL 00003 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/03/2022
Question: Can bidders place two bids – one in each RFP?
Answer: There is no restriction on the number of bids that can submitted.
RUL 00005 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/04/2022
Question: Can you please advise definition of "achieved site control?"
Answer: Bidders should have ownership or contractual control (site lease or option contracts) for the land required for the development. Please refer to Appendix G, Section 2.3 Site Development - Site Control.
RUL 00006 Published On: 03/04/2022
Question: For the solar projects is the 50 MW ICAP the minimum or is there room to go under?
Answer: The 50 MW ICAP minimum is a firm requirement.
RUL 00007 (revised 12/13/2023) Published On: 03/04/2022
Question: Is there an estimate on when there will be additional guidance on this interconnection queue requirement? We would not want to prepare an application if we would not meet the requirements of the RFP.
Answer: The RFP is open to all facilities currently in the MISO queue, facilities that have completed all requirements associated with participation in the MISO queue, and facilities using MISO’s Generator Replacement Process. Bidders should provide either a valid MISO queue number or a completed MISO Form Generation Interconnection (“GI”) Application Checklist along with an affirmation that the project meets all MISO requirements for site control outlined in the MISO Site Control Submission Checklist, Both checklist forms will be available on this website at https://deirfp.com/RFP-Documents.
RUL 00009 Published On: 03/08/2022
Question: Please clarify whether the purchase of development assets would be via a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (MIPA) in which DEI would take control of the project LLC, or whether it would be subject to an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) in which the individual project assets would be assigned from that project LLC to a DEI entity.
Answer: The preferred approach is to use an asset purchase agreement (APA) whereby the project LLC would assign the development assets to DEI.
RUL 00011 Published On: 03/11/2022
Question: Please confirm eligible RFP projects only need to be eligible for the Generation Facility Replacement Process pursuant to Section 3.7 of Attachment X to MISO tariff and do not need to initiate the process unless required by the project in-service date.
Answer: RFP projects need only to be eligible for the MISO Generation Facility Replacement Process at the time of bid submittal. If the project is selected, assignment of interconnection rights would be determined during the negotiation process.
RUL 00012 Published On: 03/11/2022
Question: Pursuant to MISO Tariff Attachment X, Appendix 1, Section 4 m, does this paragraph apply to the DEI RFP? The specific language: If this Interconnection Request is made in connection with a resource solicitation process, attach a copy of a written agreement assigning the Interconnection Customer’s rights under the GIP to the solicitor of the process and granting the solicitor the right to act as the Interconnection Customer’s agent for all purposes in the GIP.
RUL 00014 Published On: 12/19/2023
Question: 1. For the Non-Intermittent RFP, does the RFP site layout guide apply to the PPA as well or just the APA and BTA? 2. Is a solar+storage project eligible for both Intermittent and Non-Intermittent or just Non-Intermittent?
Answer: 1. The site layout guide only applies to APA and BTA proposals.
2. Solar+Storage is only eligible as an Intermittent resource.
RUL 00015 (revised 12/29/2023) Published On: 12/20/2023
Question: Do projects offering an early-stage asset purchase offer (closing well before construction begins) need to comply with the technical specifications and vendor list?
Answer: Please review Appendix E: Key Commercial Terms - Acquisition, available on the RFP Documents page of this website.
RUL 00016 Published On: 12/29/2023
Question: Regarding the DEI All-Source 2023 RFP, Section 5.9 of the Non-Intermittent RFP states that: "Respondents shall provide all energy market revenues, capacity market revenues and ancillary services revenues for the facility. If the facility has or is expected to generate any other market revenues (costs), the respondent should provide such information and describe the source of the facility revenue. Existing facilities shall provide the information described above for the past three (3) years as well as estimates for the facility for the next three (3) years. Facilities in development shall provide estimates for the first three (3) full years of operations." For standalone storage that is offering a $/kW-mo tolling structure, can you please clarify whether the breakdown of energy, capacity, and ancillary services revenue is still required to be provided by the bidder?
Answer: RFP respondents may opt not to provide projected revenues. Historical revenue data for existing facilities are required.
RUL 00017 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: How will CRA as RFP Manager “coordinate all communication” between the DEI and respondents if Duke wants to do a self-build?
Answer: Any and all communications between respondents and the utility regarding this RFP will be submitted through CRA’s RFP Manager Email Address, posted on the RFP Website or communicated through a public bidder information session. Under no circumstance should respondents, including DEI affiliates, attempt to contact DEI employees involved in the evaluation of proposals and/or administration of the RFP directly with any matters related to this RFP. Until projects are selected for advancement to the final negotiations phase, CRA will monitor all bidder communications with DEI, which will go through CRA’s RFP Manager email account or RFP Website FAQ tool. DEI will not be aware of bidder identities as part of the RFP FAQ process.
A formal separation protocol and confidentiality screen was issued between the DEI Evaluation and DEI Proposal teams on November 10, 2023.
RUL 00018 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Could you please define "site control"? Appendix G mentions this, but does not define it. Is this the MISO site control requirements referenced in the RFP?
Answer: Please refer to FAQ GEN 00028.
RUL 00019 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: In Appendix G, could you please elaborate on what is meant by a "developer placing projects into service" for purposes of assessing past experience? Do corporate affiliates' experiences count?
Answer: The 'Developer Experience' section of the Evaluation Criteria (Appendix G) aims to describe the evaluation of RFP respondents' experience in developing and operating generating facilities.
The Respondent will not have any points deducted in this category if they have developed and reached operation or operated a project or portfolio of projects totaling at least 1,000 MW-AC ICAP.
Certain experience of corporate affiliates may be counted toward the MW ICAP target for evaluation in this category at the discretion of the RFP Manager. To have such experience potentially considered, clearly define the relationship of the RFP respondent and the affiliate as well as the basis for why the affiliate's experience should be considered.
RUL 00020 Published On: 01/08/2024
Question: Is the RFP open to capacity-only product offers?
Answer: This RFP is not open to capacity-only product offers.
RUL 00021 Published On: 01/15/2024
Question: For projects located in IL and IN, would DEI entertain PJM thermal or renewable assets that can be imported to MISO? We have projects that could be of interest, including ones in or adjacent to DEI service areas.
Answer: DEI will consider resources outside LRZ6 only to the extent that there are insufficient resources by technology class bid into the RFP that are qualified to receive Zonal Resource Credits in MISO LRZ6.
RUL 00022 Published On: 01/31/2024
Question: With regards to Q&A RUL 00020, is this response true for both the intermittent and non-intermittent RFPs? i.e. a capacity-only product offer will not be accepted into either RFP.
Answer: Capacity-only offers will not be accepted into the intermittent or non-intermittent RFP. To avoid any confusion, the RFP processes are open to various resource types, including standalone storage, but not to capacity-only offers such as zonal resource credits only.
RUL 00023 Published On: 02/19/2024
Question: Will Duke be willing to extend the proposal due date?
Answer: The proposal due date will not be extended, but participants will have an opportunity to provide additional information after proposals are due. Please submit as complete a proposal as possible by the due date. You may be asked to clarify information or be requested to provide additional information after the due date.
RUL 00024 Published On: 02/19/2024
Question: In the Form Term Sheet for an Asset Sale, Duke requires that all title policy shall be complete as a closing deliverable, which means the project would have to be very advanced in design/development. Is Duke seeking projects like the aforementioned (late design/advanced development) or are you open to an earlier stage project in development that does not have all title complete?
Answer: The intermittent and non-intermittent RFP processes are open to both existing facilities and facilties in development. Per Appendix G (Evaluation Criteria), Section 2.3, the evaluation process will consider both interconnection and site control related milestones achieved to date for a project that has not reached its commercial operation date (“COD”). Per Section 5.5 of the intermittent and non-intermittent RFP documents, Respondents shall assume that the acquisition of the facility would be closed and title transferred by the in-service target provided in Table 2 of the relevant RFP document.
RUL 00025 Published On: 02/21/2024
Question: Would it be acceptable to submit to the RFP and maintain dispatchability of the facility? We have steam/electric hosts that require that we run around the clock. We have a current PPA with public utility that allows for this and the Energy is just trued up via an FBT. Would this be acceptable?
Answer: Yes, it is acceptable for the bidder to maintain dispatchability of the facility. Please describe in the bid the details of the commitments to hosts. Ultimately, terms surrounding any financial transactions will be discussed during contract negotiations.
RUL 00026 Published On: 02/22/2024
Question: We’re proposing an approved vendor which has 6 battery racks. Can Duke expand the Modular Enclosure BESS definition to include more racks, because the current definition really only suits small C&I BESS. In Exhibit A-1-2 - Indiana RFP BESS_EPC Agreement - Exhibit A-1-2 - Design Criteria - Electrical - Inverter Base Resources, Section 4 Power Conversion Stations, PCS is only mentioned as a part of a skid. We plan on submitting one of the approved PCS vendors where the PCS is built into the container. We will be marking up #3 of the acquisition term sheet but also wanted to submit a question to inquire about this.
Answer: It can be assumed that an enclosure with 6 racks is more like a modular enclosure than large and should be assumed to be modular depending on overall footprint.
RUL 00027 Published On: 04/08/2024
Question: Can you please provide us with an updated timeline to complete the Bid Evaluation Phase and begin the Due Diligence and Definitive Agreement Phase?
Answer: The Bid Evaluation Phase is expected to complete in early May at which time the Due Diligence and Definitive Agreement Phase will begin.