Section 83C III Clean Energy RFP

This is the third solicitation (83C III) under Section 83C of the Massachusetts Act to Promote Energy Diversity, issued jointly by the state's electric distribution companies (EDCs) — National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil. The RFP seeks long-term contracts for offshore wind energy projects to supply clean energy to Massachusetts ratepayers. The procurement supports the Commonwealth's goal of achieving 1,600 MW of offshore wind by 2027 and 3,200 MW by 2035, though specific capacity targets for this round are defined in the full RFP document.

The complete RFP package, published on May 7, 2021, includes a detailed RFP document with appendices, a Bidder Response Package (Appendix A), a CPPD Form, an Economic Development Summary Sheet, a Bid Fee Submittal Form, and two Form Power Purchase Agreements (one for National Grid, one for Eversource and Unitil). Additionally, the utilities have posted Standards of Conduct and Evaluation Team rosters. A DPU Order (Docket 21-40) governs the procurement process and outlines the regulatory framework.

Bidders must submit complete proposal packages by the deadline specified in the full RFP document (not available on this summary page). The procurement includes a bidder conference and Q&A sessions, with details on the separate 83C III Timeline page. Evaluation criteria are detailed in the RFP and typically include price, project viability, economic development benefits, and environmental impact. The form PPAs provide the base contract terms for successful bidders.

This solicitation offers offshore wind developers an opportunity to secure long-term PPAs with Massachusetts EDCs, contributing significantly to the state's clean energy transition. The 83C III round builds on the previous 83C I and 83C II solicitations and is expected to attract major international developers. All submitted bids will be evaluated by the respective utility evaluation teams, and final awards are subject to regulatory approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.