SPS 2024 All-Source Request for Proposals

Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), an operating company subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc., is issuing an All-Source Request for Proposals to secure and invest in a diverse portfolio of economic generation to benefit customers. This RFP solicits proposals for generation resources with proposed commercial operation dates within or before May 1, 2028, to May 1, 2030.

The RFP evaluates multiple technology options including dispatchable generation (natural gas combustion turbines), renewable energy (wind and solar), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and hybrid configurations combining renewable and storage resources. SPS offers two contracting mechanisms: power purchase agreements (PPAs) for independent power producers and build-transfer arrangements where SPS constructs and owns the facility.

Key dates include: RFP issuance on July 22, 2024; bidder's conference on August 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM Central Time in Amarillo, Texas (790 S Buchanan, 4th Floor Bay 1) with online attendance available; Notice of Intent to Respond due by December 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM Central Time; and proposal submission deadline of January 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM Central Time. A recent update indicates that Options 1 and 2, which initially had December 31 retirement dates, must now have replacement generation available by December 15 of their respective years to comply with the Southwest Power Pool Winter Resource Adequacy Requirement approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Proposals must be submitted electronically via the secure XpressDRIVE file upload application. Bidders must first submit a Notice of Intent to Respond to receive submission access. All proposals should be submitted as single .zip files with completed bid forms in executable format and written proposal materials in PDF format. The RFP includes comprehensive technical specifications, model contract templates, term sheets for various technology types, design requirements, equipment standards, and site information for potential interconnection points at Maddox, Nichols, Plant X, and Tolk locations.