Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. General Assistance with Procurement of Natural Gas Supply a. General interface with contracted natural gas supplier(s) on behalf of the Universities. b. Consult with each university’s designated point(s) of contact regarding management of supplier activities. c. Provide continuing general assistance and support to the Universities in setting up gas supply programs and monitoring the performance of the program supplier(s). d. Review and analyze any new supplier-proposed changes within the existing supply agreement with Constellation Energy (UI) and Cedar Fall Utilities (UNI) with regard to pricing and technical matters for aggregate purchasing of natural gas. e. Preparation of any future bids and/or contracts for the aggregate purchasing and administration of the pool’s natural gas supply and renewable gas. f. Assist the Universities in pursuing the purchase of renewable natural gas contracts and integration of those contracts into existing natural gas supply contracts. 2. Natural Gas Logistics a. Interface with the local distribution utility (e.g., MidAmerican Energy) as needed. b. Assist suppliers with implementing new transport accounts under supply agreement(s). 3. Tariff Review a. Monitor utility and pipeline tariffs and rate change filings to determine if new or modified tariffs will have an impact on the Universities. Supplier will provide the Universities information in association with tariff modifications and collaborate with the Universities (at each university’s discretion) to provide potential rate case filing responses and comments. b. Provide technical advice as requested by UI on energy industry issues being considered by regulatory agencies including, but not limited to, the Iowa Utilities Board, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and legislative bodies. c. Evaluate the Universities’ gas services periodically to determine the rate structure that best fits UI and/or UNI’s needs. 4. Cost and Consumption Analysis a. Evaluate each university’s current gas cost and consumption data to secure website or other electronic means for access by the Universities at will. b. Perform quarterly spot sample bill reviews for accuracy, rate verification, billing methods, etc. c. Advise the Universities of options to rectify billing issues, with assistance from supplier, in the event of gas volume measurement discrepancies with the pipeline or utility. 5. Natural Gas Hedging and Risk Management a. Obtain a thorough understanding of the Universities’ natural gas purchasing practices and strategies including other fuels the Universities currently burn. b. Upon understanding, develop a risk management strategy in alignment with each university’s risk objectives and present a hedging/procurement plan incorporating the risk management strategy to each university’s approval. c. Upon plan approval, Supplier will advise the Universities in the implementation of the procurement plan. d. Assist each university’s designated point(s) of contact with interpretation of market intelligence for developing hedging and pricing strategies and alternative supplier product offerings.
