Bioenergy Phase I Call RFP

BC Hydro issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bioenergy projects in Phase I. The RFP sought electricity purchase agreements from proponents interested in developing bioenergy generation projects. Proponents were required to register and participate in a structured evaluation process involving multiple phases.

Key deadlines and milestones for the RFP included: EPA Term Sheet issuance on February 29, 2008; Registration deadline of March 7, 2008; Proponent Information Session held on March 26, 2008; Filing of Preliminary Interconnection Study agreements for Distribution System-connected projects by March 31, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. PPT; Filing of Feasibility Interconnection Study agreements with BCTC for Transmission System-connected projects by April 7, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. PPT; Notice to Customers of GBL on May 2, 2008; Specimen EPA issuance on May 7, 2008; and Proposal submission deadline on June 10, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. PPT. Following submission, Feasibility or Preliminary Interconnection Studies were released on June 20, 2008, with proponents notified of the short list between June 27 and July 15, 2008.

The Negotiation, Final Evaluation and EPA signing phase was scheduled from July 2, 2008 through October 15, 2008, though this timeline was extended. EPA awards were subject to Section 71 approval by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). On February 18, 2009, BC Hydro filed a report with the BCUC regarding four Electricity Purchase Agreements awarded under the RFP process, which were subsequently accepted by the BCUC on August 5, 2009.

Projects could be connected to either the Distribution System or Transmission System. For Distribution System-connected projects, proponents submitted applications to BC Hydro for Preliminary Interconnection Studies. For Transmission System-connected projects, proponents submitted applications to BCTC for Feasibility Interconnection Studies. Proponents were required to submit Customer GBL data and complete registration requirements.