RFP: National Grid’s Gilbert Mills Non-Wires Alternatives

National Grid seeks Non-Wires Alternative (NWA) solutions to provide load relief at the Gilbert Mills Substation in Schroeppel, NY. The substation is experiencing loading that exceeds Summer Normal ratings and requires interim reliability solutions until the planned substation upgrade is completed in October 2029. The project requires 2.7 MW of load relief during peak periods, with a contract term of at least one year and maximum operating period extending through October 2030. The approximate total project value is $1,610,000 for the 2026-2030 period.

National Grid classifies NWA solutions into two categories: NWA Real Time Service (requiring real-time dispatch capability via SCADA/DNP3 with 6-second response capability) and NWA Scheduled Service (responding to pre-scheduled, event-based dispatches). Eligible solutions include new distributed generation, energy storage, demand response, or combinations thereof. Solutions must provide a minimum of 100 kW load relief, respond within 24 hours of dispatch notification, operate during the 12:00-21:00 service window, and achieve 95% availability. The Company will call the service up to 20 times per year for up to 6 continuous hours, with a maximum of 3 consecutive days of calls.

Bidders must submit proposals via the Piclo Flex platform at https://usa.picloflex.com/dashboard. All interconnection costs and infrastructure upgrades are the bidder's responsibility. For front-of-the-meter installations, interconnection cost estimates will be provided based on Point of Interconnection location, but final costs will be determined through the Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review (CESIR) process. For storage projects, charging is prohibited from 15:00-21:00. Value stacking with other utility and NYISO programs is permitted if compliant with program rules.

Proposals must include detailed bidder qualifications, project schedules, financial overviews, permitting plans, and pricing. Three payment structures are available: fixed annual contract cost, cost-per-kW with availability payments plus dispatch payments, or combinations thereof. Bidders must account for all utility delivery charges, metering costs, and equipment expenses in their pricing. The Company reserves discretion to accept partial solutions or portfolio combinations and may adjust capacity requirements during evaluation.