Connecticut DEEP to issue renewable power RFP

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection announced that it will issue a Request for Proposals later this month for electric power produced by biomass, landfill gas, and run-of-river hydropower facilities that meet Connecticut’s Class I renewable requirements.

The department is seeking proposals for energy and renewable energy credits from both new and existing facilities, located both in-state and throughout the Northeast. The Department will evaluate proposals based on a range of criteria focused heavily on pricing, but also considering reliability and environmental and economic development benefits for the state.

Projects selected under the RFP will be eligible to enter into power purchase agreements for up to 10 years with the state’s two major electric distribution companies, Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating.

DEEP has the authority to select proposals under this RFP to meet up to four percent of the state’s total electricity demand in accordance with Section 8 of Public Act 13-303, “An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Clean Energy Goals.”

 This Act restructured Connecticut’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and recommitted Connecticut to obtaining 20 percent of its electric power from clean energy sources by the year 2020.  Power obtained from biomass, landfill gas, and small scale hydro-electric projects selected through this RFP process will help the state stay on track to meet its Class 1 RPS goal.

 “This RFP for biomass, landfill gas, and run-of-river hydropower is our next move forward in fulfilling Governor Malloy’s vision of cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable power for our residents and businesses, said Commissioner Daniel C. Esty. “The projects we are seeking will help our state meet its renewable power needs at a lower cost and from cleaner sources.”