Southern California Public Power Authority Request for Proposals for Renewable Energy Projects

The Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA), is a joint powers authority and public entity supplying electric energy within Southern California. The SCPPA is comprised of the municipal utilities of the cities of Anaheim, Azusa, Banning, Burbank, Cerritos, Colton, Glendale, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside and Vernon, and the Imperial Irrigation District (Member Agencies). Many of the approximately 500 individual renewable energy project proposals the SCPPA has reviewed since 2007 have advanced into specific contract negotiations, and over 800 MW are now being delivered in support of the Members Agencies' renewable objectives.

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), the SCPPA seeks a combination of projects to deliver approximately 2,000 GWh per year beginning in 2014 and an additional combination of projects able to deliver another 3,000 GWh per year beginning in 2017, for a total addition of approximately 5,000 GWh per year by 2020. Proposals for the following categories of renewable energy generation projects will be considered: wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, hydro, solar, solar thermal, municipal solid waste, permanent load-shifting, greenhouse gas mitigation measures and alternative use (including supplemental processes to existing operations). The following maximum pricing thresholds have been set to assist in defining projects that may fit into Member Agencies' portfolios: 

• Wind or projects with an expected capacity factor less than 50% should start at less than $60 dollars per MWh; 
• Baseload technologies, including geothermal, biomass, biogas, or any projects which deliver at a substantially consistent level for 24 hours per day, should start at less than $100 per MWh; and 
• Solar technologies, including those with storage capability, should start at less than $110 per MWh ($110/MWh).

Ideally, the SCPPA would like to hold an undivided equity interest in the facility and sell 100% of the output to the interested Member Agencies at cost. However, SCPPA will consider power purchase agreements, which may include an option to purchase the project during the term of the agreement. More information can be found at the SCPPA's website at http://www.scppa.org.

RESPONSE DEADLINE: November 30, 2012

If you are interested in learning more about the above solicitation or have questions regarding other opportunities, please contact Patrick Perry, Emily Murray or Eleanor Ord. We are attorneys at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP, a California law firm. Our practice includes assisting renewable energy clients with all aspects of their business, from siting and permitting, to compliance and litigation. To that end, we think your company may be interested in this renewable energy opportunity. We would be happy to tell you more about our renewable energy practice and expertise.