Overview and Context The Delaware State Energy Office (SEO), located in the Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), seeks qualified bids for an analysis of the challenges to and the opportunities for hardening, modernizing, and improving the resilience of the state’s electricity grid . DNREC is a cabinet level agency within the State of Delaware that works to engage all stakeholders to ensure the wise management, conservation and enhancement of the State’s natural resources; protect public health and the environment; provide quality outdoor recreation; improve the quality of life; lead energy policy and climate preparedness; and educate the public on historic, cultural and natural resource use, requirements and issues. Pursuant to Delaware Code Title 29 (29 Del.C.) Chapter 80 Subchapter I Section 8003, the SEO is required to work in cooperation with the State Public Service Commission to: promote renewable fuels and energy supplies, improve the adequacy and reliability of energy supplies in Delaware, and assess the environmental consequences of energy usage in Delaware. More specifically, 29 Del.C. §8053 (c) directs that the SEO shall: (10) Monitor and act in a coordinating capacity to promote the planning and buildout of the statewide energy grid to optimize resources, including coordination with any plan acknowledged by the Public Service Commission; (11) Conduct analysis of generating resource adequacy and conduct integrated resource planning, as necessary; (12) Participate in offshore wind transmission planning with the regional transmission organization, the Delaware Public Service Commission, the Division of the Public Advocate, energy utilities, other stakeholders, and other states; (13) Conduct analysis, study policy options, and collaborate with energy utilities and other stakeholders to make recommendations to facilitate the responsible siting of renewable energy facilities in Delaware.
