Rockport Natural Gas Project RFP

American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEPSC), as agent for Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M), is soliciting proposals to construct, operate, and maintain a natural gas pipeline lateral and associated natural gas facilities to supply the Rockport Natural Gas Project located in Rockport, Indiana. The project requires design and construction of gas delivery infrastructure capable of handling maximum consumption of 238,000 MMBtu per day with delivery pressures between 500-700 psig at a pipeline maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) of 720 psig. The company also seeks offers of mainline firm transportation capacity.

Key project dates include: Draft RFP issued January 12, 2026; Notice to bid and credit requirements submission due February 2, 2026; Final RFP issued February 9, 2026; proposal submission deadline May 6, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time; bid clarification period May 7-29, 2026; and bid selection June 10, 2026. The plant's estimated Commercial Operation Date (COD) is December 15, 2029, with fuel for testing required beginning approximately April 1, 2029.

Proposals must include all capital costs for construction, operation, and maintenance over a 20-year initial term, recovered at a rate expressed in dollars per MMBtu. All construction and interconnection activities should be completed with sufficient time for intermittent startup and testing. The successful bidder will initially execute a Precedent Agreement limited to permitting, regulatory approvals, engineering, and right-of-way identification, with major procurement and construction work contingent upon final Commission approval. Bidders must provide credit information including senior unsecured debt ratings from S&P or Moody's, or audited financial statements for the previous three years.

Required proposal content includes: executive summary, bidder information with company representatives' contact details, compensation and rate structure, and a detailed project and construction schedule with major milestones. Bidders must complete the Quarterly Pre-Service Cost Estimate Template addressing regulatory approvals, engineering design, environmental impact studies, right-of-way acquisition, material costs, installation/labor costs, and other estimated costs. Monthly progress reports will be required from the successful bidder. Evaluation will assess both economic and non-economic criteria, with specific attention to hourly shaping capabilities for PJM requirements.