GEN 00001 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: Is this RFP process part of an annual RFP process for DEI or is the current RFP a “one off” to satisfy requirements for MISO planning years 2023/24 to 2027/28?
Answer: This process is a standalone RFP designed to secure energy and capacity in support of needs identified in the DEI 2021 IRP.
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 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. Projects other than wind must be located in MISO LRZ6. Projects must also be transmission level projects. Projects can interconnect anywhere on the MISO transmission system within LRZ6.
GEN 00004 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 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 criterial that applies to all process bids.
GEN 00006 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, 2019 DPP queues will be past Phase 2 while 2020 will (maybe?) be past Phase 1. Would these proposal be weighted equally or would the DPP 2020 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 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 ~1200 MW total?
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 1 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 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 requesst 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 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. Bids would need this level of detail to be evaluated against more traditional resources.
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 00019 Published On: 03/15/2022
Question: Is Duke planning to provide Attachment C - Fire Design Criteria to the Exhibit A-1-2B of the Storage Specifications folder?
Answer: Yes, BESS_EPC Exhibit A-1-2B - Attachment_C_Fire Safety Design Criteria.pdf has been added to the Storage Specifications files.
GEN 00020 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 meterological 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 anticpated 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 00022 Published On: 03/24/2022
Question: Does a facility need only to qualify for capacity accreditation in its LRZ (Zone 7), and DEI wears the responsibility to designate the project as a DNR (Designated Network Resource) for LRZ 6?
Answer: Through this RFP DEI is seeking to secure LRZ6 capacity resources. Aside from wind resources, DEI will not accept MISO zonal risk associated with a resource.
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 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, Cells d28 an d29: In a self-bid regulated project, it is not truly an acquisition price. Should d28 be populated with the total cost including AFUDC or other? For a self-bid regulated project, should cell d29 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 00011 Published On: 03/01/2022
Question: In regards to Thermal Asset Sale Appendix F, Supplementary Firing Capability: What are the units to be populated in E154? Mmbtu/hr or kW?
Answer: kW.
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.
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 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, although respondents may incur bid fees depending on the number of bids submitted. Bidders can submit proposals for up to three (3) project sites for each DEI RFP at no cost. Respondents submitting more than three (3) projects for consideration will incur a Generation Proposal Evaluation Fee for each additional project submitted. The nonrefundable fee for evaluating each project is $5,000.
RUL 00004 Published On: 03/04/2022
Question: I had a follow-up to the MISO Queue requirement in section 2.3 of Appendix G: “Projects must have entered the MISO queue process or be eligible to receive transmission access via the MISO generator replacement transfer process. Facilities that have not entered the MISO queue process as of the bid submission date of this solicitation or that are not eligible to receive transmission access via the generator replacement transfer process will be disqualified and not considered for advancement in the process.” What is the definition of “entered the MISO queue process”? If a Project has submitted their application to the MISO interconnection queue prior to the bid submission date, will they be eligible for the RFP? (Even if they have not started the DPP Phase 1 or even passed the application deadline for a specific study cycle.) The specific example I am curious about is if a Project is entering the MISO queue for the DPP-2022-Cycle, but they submit their application prior to the Duke RFP bid submission date. The application deadline for this cycle is 9/15/2022, and DPP Phase 1 is not anticipated to start until 12/15/2022.
Answer: DEI is requiring that projects have started the DPP Phase 1 process by the bid submission deadline for the RFP. Projects need not have completed DPP1 by the submission deadline.
RUL 00005 Published On: 03/04/2022
Question: On slide 16 on the information session presentation, can you please advise definition of site control for the first bullet point "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 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: An update was provided on 3/1/22. To be eligible for consideration, projects must have entered the MISO queue process by the bid submission deadline. Please refer to the Appendix G posted to the Information Website.
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 00010 Published On: 03/11/2022
Question: From reading the FAQs it seems we must have started the DDP1 process which doesn’t start till Dec 2022 for the 2022 Queue. Other FAQs say we only need to be in the 2022 MISO Queue by the deadline 4-18-22. Will a 2022 queue position by 4-18-2022 will be allowed as a project in the DEI 2022 RFP?
Answer: Projects must have started the DPP1 MISO queue process by the bid submission deadline. Since the 2022 MISO queue process does not start until after the bid submission deadline, 2022 projects will not be allowed.
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 00013 Published On: 03/18/2022
Question: Would a non-intermittent asset located outside of Zone 6 with firm transmission to deliver to Zone 6 be a qualified asset for a PPA according to section 4.2 (d) of the RFP?
Answer: The RFP states:
DEI may also consider resources physically located in other regions, but such facilities must have firm transmission access to LRZ6 and be designated as LRZ6 Network Resource Interconnection Service (“NRIS”) qualified capacity. For the avoidance of doubt, DEI requires that resources are qualified to receive Zonal Resource Credits in or delivered to MISO Local Resource Zone 6 consistent with MISO’s Module E or successor.