Specifications include, but are not limited to: • Developing evaluation protocols consistent with Massachusetts energy procurement precedent and assumptions to evaluate the ME Selection for the following benefits: o (i) provide cost-effective clean energy generation to electric ratepayers in the commonwealth and the region over the term of the contract; o (ii) provide the benefits of clean energy and associated transmission towards meeting the commonwealth’s decarbonization goals; o (iii) where possible, avoid, minimize, or mitigate, to the maximum extent practicable, environmental impacts, impacts on commercial and recreational fishing industries, and impacts to low-income populations; o (iv) reduce ratepayer costs in winter months and improve energy security during winter months; o (v) demonstrate progress toward obtaining required permit approvals and interconnection, and o (vi) have credible project schedule and construction plans, including plans for financing and stakeholder engagement • Complete quantitative evaluation defined in above protocols to estimate direct and indirect costs and benefits of the ME Selection. This may include, but may not be limited to: o quantitative analysis of regional energy, capacity, and ancillary services markets through production cost modeling or other methodologies o evaluation of direct and indirect economic benefits to Massachusetts ratepayers, including but not limited to mark-to-market energy and Renewable Energy Certificate (“REC”) price comparisons and environmental benefits of Global Warming Solutions Act (“GWSA”) compliance o transmission analysis, including a review of existing transmission studies, to identify and estimate energy deliverability to Massachusetts • Support DOER, in consultation with the AGO, on the evaluation of qualitative benefits including, but not limited to: o environmental impacts, impacts on commercial and recreational fishing industries, and impacts to low-income populations o project schedule and construction plans, including plans for financing and stakeholder engagement, permit approvals, and interconnection • Providing recommendations to DOER on the reasonableness of qualitative and quantitative evaluations, including determining the success of economical modeling results and identifying issues for the DOER management • Providing recommendations to DOER management to assist with determination of project benefits to Massachusetts based on statutory guidelines
