Specifications include, but are not limited to: DSO STUDY PART I SUMMARY In coordination with the GEO, the Bidder will produce one (1) Maine Distribution System Operator Feasibility Study (“DSO Study Part I”) that provides an overview of assumptions related to design, structure, and responsibilities of a DSO and the responsibilities of existing agencies and companies in Maine. Assumptions must align with the requirements included in the Resolve, where “distribution system operator” means “an entity designed to serve the following roles for the State: Oversee integrated system planning for all electric grids in the State, including coordinating energy planning efforts across state agencies; Operate all electric grids in the State to ensure optimum operations, efficiency, equity, affordability, reliability and customer service; Administer an open and transparent market for distributed energy resources; and Facilitate the achievement of the greenhouse gas reduction obligations and climate policies pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 38, section 576-A and section 577, subsection 1.” The Bidders will develop a list of key assumptions and alternatives as well as their criteria for evaluation and solicit feedback from GEO, and stakeholders as directed by the GEO, prior to conducting the assessment in part a). DSO STUDY PART I TASKS Bidders are required to complete the following tasks. Tasks are expected to be completely concurrently as described below. Discovery The Bidder shall compile and review Maine, ISO-NE, and NMISA specific literature, including decarbonization projections, utility data, operations and planning handbooks and forecasts, and other applicable studies and sources, including those which may be ongoing through other contracts with GEO or other state agencies related to distribution system operations and decarbonization pathways. See “Resources for Bidders” for an illustrative list. Include information gathered through stakeholder engagement, in Task b. Identify DSO models from other jurisdictions and examine the applicability of governance, policy, and other design options to this Maine DSO Study. Stakeholder engagement One-on-one interviews with key stakeholders as directed by the GEO to determine assumptions of the Study, and understand ongoing and planned work as well as the overall context of Maine’s electric grid operations. At least two public webinars, to be determined in consultation with the GEO. One following Study kick-off, to provide information to public and to solicit comments and feedback on direction of Study One following initial draft findings of Study to provide draft findings to public and solicit comments and feedback to incorporate into final DSO Study Part I Assessment Bidders are required to compile information to inform a determination of whether a DSO could be established in Maine to meet each of the three below objectives. Demonstrable reduction in electricity costs for customers Improved electric system reliability and performance in the State Accelerated achievement of State's climate goals and growth of DG resources Each assessment should be grounded in the regulatory and statutory context in Maine as well as the existing electric grid operations, markets, and rules within Maine and ISO-New England. Each assessment should be grounded in clear assumptions related to design, structure, and responsibilities of DSO and the responsibilities of existing agencies and companies in Maine. Bidders will develop a list of key assumptions and alternatives as well as their criteria for evaluation and solicit feedback from GEO and stakeholders. The above considerations are non-exhaustive lists of potential factors to consider when bidders propose methods by which to conduct the required analysis. DSO STUDY PART I KEY DELIVERABLES The DSO Study Part I must include: Fully written and designed report including an executive summary and all conceptual diagrams/figures necessary; One presentation deck summarizing the content of the report; Any excel sheets or other repositories of data collected in association with this work and informing underlying modeling and analysis, with cover sheets explaining each data set, assumptions used, and analysis performed; Assistance, as requested by GEO, in preparing for the GEO’s presentation to the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology; and All deliverables to be developed in close coordination with GEO. DSO STUDY PART II Study Part II will be undertaken only if the GEO determines, based on Study Part I, that a DSO could achieve demonstrable reduction in electricity costs for customers; improved electric system reliability and performance in the State; and accelerated achievement of State's climate goals and growth of distributed generation resources. Bidders should indicate their understanding of the requirements enumerated in Sections 3 and 4 of the Resolve and confirm their ability and commitment to performing them if directed by the GEO. This RFP does not seek proposals to perform the scope described in Sections 3 and 4 of the Resolve. Any performance of that scope would be at the sole determination of the GEO and specified through a subsequent contract amendment negotiated with the selected Bidder.
