Appalachian Power Issues RfP for 200 MW Solar Projects in Virginia

• Appalachian Power has issued an RfP for up to 200 MW of solar energy that will reduce customer costs and further diversify its electric generation mix

Appalachian Power this week issued a second Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to 200 megawatts  (MW) of solar energy resources that will reduce customer costs and further diversify its electric generation mix.

The new RFP has a minimum bid size of 10 MW, extends the operational date to December 2022, and provides developers the option of including a battery energy storage system with their proposal. The company’s original RFP issued in late 2018 did not result in any viable projects.

“By expanding the RFP we expect to receive additional submissions from developers,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. “Having more proposals increases our ability to identify viable utility-scale solar projects that reduce customer costs and expands our renewables portfolio.”

Virginia Senate Bill 966, passed in 2018, requires Appalachian Power to construct or acquire solar resources prior to 2028. If the RFP results in suitable projects, the company will seek regulatory approval for them in Virginia and West Virginia.

Under the RFP, the firm may acquire single or multiple solar facilities from winning bidders who meet certain economic and operational criteria. Qualifying projects must be operational by December 15, 2022, and qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit.

To qualify for consideration, projects must be located in Virginia, have a minimum project size of 10 MW, and be interconnected to Appalachian Power’s Virginia distribution system or PJM. PJM is the independent regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid in 13 states, including Virginia.

Businesses seeking to submit a proposal can access criteria, required forms, and other specifics online at here. Proposals must be submitted by March 12, 2020.

The firm is a leader in renewable energy, producing approximately 1,900 Gigawatt- hours of energy annually from wind- and hydro-power. It has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). And is part of American Electric Power, which is focused on building smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions.