Puget Sound Energy Distributed Solar and Storage RFP

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is issuing a comprehensive Request for Proposals to acquire cost-effective distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to meet clean energy transformation requirements and resource needs. PSE seeks up to 63 MW of Front-of-the-Meter (FTM) distributed solar capacity and up to 61 MW of distributed BESS capacity, with commercial operation targeted by December 31, 2028. Projects must interconnect to PSE's distribution system within Washington State's Puget Sound service area, with minimum project size of 200 kW AC and maximum of 6 MW AC per installation. BESS projects may be standalone or paired with solar installations and must be directly controlled by PSE through its Energy Management System (EMS) or Virtual Power Plant (VPP) platform.

The RFP includes a targeted substation capacity initiative specifically for the Longmire and Bonney Lake substations, seeking BESS Build Transfer Agreements (BTA) for PSE ownership to defer substation upgrades. These targeted projects require a minimum of 2 MW and 8 MWh of dispatchable capacity and energy, with in-service dates of 2029 and 20-year operational periods.

Key project requirements include SCADA connectivity for FTM resources 1 MW or larger, compliance with Technical Interconnection and Interoperability Requirements for Distributed Energy Resources, and use of industry-recognized top-tier manufacturers for equipment. All BESS facilities must allow for full 4-hour charge-discharge cycles averaging one cycle per day for 365 days annually, with PSE retaining dispatch control for system peak events, energy arbitrage, and capacity-based operations. Environmental attributes and renewable energy credits (RECs) accrue to PSE ownership.

Proposals must demonstrate site control through permitting viability and completed project schedules. Respondents must comply with Washington State's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) requirements and prevailing wage standards under RCW 80.86.090. Projects with costs exceeding $10,000,000 must include community workforce agreements or project labor agreements. PSE will evaluate proposals based on lowest reasonable cost considerations including resource cost, market volatility risks, resource dispatchability, system operational effects, customer benefits to Highly Impacted Communities and Vulnerable Populations, and credit/financial risks. Special consideration is given to Small, Minority, Women, and Disabled-Owned Business Enterprises (SMWBE) and tribal group participation.