Commercial Demand Response Program Expansion

Austin Energy, the municipal electric utility of Austin, Texas, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure a qualified contractor to support its Demand Response programs, with a primary focus on expanding the Commercial Demand Response program. The objective is to achieve the goals established in the Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan to 2035. The contractor will provide necessary time and materials to design, implement, and manage demand response initiatives targeting commercial customers.

The scope of work includes recruitment and enrollment of commercial customers into demand response programs, installation and management of automated demand response (Auto-DR) technologies, coordination with Austin Energy's existing program infrastructure, and reporting on program performance. The successful proposer will work closely with the utility to enhance load reduction capabilities and integrate demand response as a distributed energy resource. Insurance is required for the awarded contractor.

Key dates for this solicitation: the RFP was published on September 21, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the City of Austin's eResponse system prior to October 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM Central Time. A response opening will occur immediately after the deadline. Questions regarding the solicitation should be directed to Diana McIntosh at (512) 974-2043 or diana.mcintosh@austintexas.gov. Small and minority business resource questions should be directed to Lauren Williams-Norwood at (512) 974-6537 or smbrcompliancedocuments@austintexas.gov.

Multiple supporting documents are provided as attachments, including a detailed Scope of Work, a Bid Sheet, the Commercial Automated Demand Response Technical Guide (Exhibit A), Austin Energy Data Handling Controls (Exhibit B), and other standard City of Austin forms. Proposers must review all attached materials and comply with the Solicitation Instructions and City of Austin Terms and Conditions. The contract will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria detailed in the solicitation documents.