GEN 00001 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Could you provide more information on submitting to the RFI? Are there a different set of documents or requirements for those bids?
Answer: Respondents for the RFI should submit all relevant information outlined in the RFP Document (Executive Summary, Developer Experience, etc.), to the extent that the information is available. There are no threshold requirements for participating in the RFI. Respondent's should also fill out "Appendix G: Information Addendum Form - Request for Information."
GEN 00002 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Will AES Indiana be providing AES-owned sites on which respondents' can site their projects? If so, will these sites have the availability to interconnect via Generator Replacement or Surplus Interconnection Service processes?
Answer: We are willing to evaluate RFP 2 and RFI proposals that could be located at an existing AESI site. However, site evaluations are currently underway to determine generation feasibility at AES generation locations, the results of which may conflict with proposed projects.
GEN 00003 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Is there any land provided for RFP 4 DER projects? Or should bidders look to bring all land.
Answer: Respondents should look to bring all land.
GEN 00004 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: What is the approximate timeline for regulatory approval of selected contracts? Is it based upon a November 1, 2025 IRP filing so mid-2026 would be the earliest for IURC approval?
Answer: Yes. For clean energy projects, a 240 day timeline can be assumed making mid-to-late 2026 approval the earliest. Thermal projects also receive a 240 day process. PPA's are a 120 day process.
GEN 00005 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For ZRC and financial products, AES has a preference for LRZ6 but what are the other LRZ that would be accepted?
Answer: Competitive resources delivering capacity outside of LRZ 6 may also be considered if they are from other MISO zones or neighboring RTOs with firm transmission.
GEN 00006 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Can you provide more information on technologies that would qualify only for the RFI and not the RFP?
Answer: These can be emerging technology type projects or projects that aren't very far along on the devopement timeline and have uncertain cost or in service timelines.
GEN 00007 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Will RFI technologies also be included in IRP modeling?
Answer: Potentially, if we determine that they are a viable tech that could be delivered commercially by the early to mid 2030s.
GEN 00008 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Are there any specific technology or asset types that AES is looking for through RFP 3?
Answer: AESI is open to a range of technologies. We would encourage bidders to submit proposals.
GEN 00009 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Does AES have a preference for PPA vs. BTA?
Answer: We will objectively evaluate both and make the best decision based on quantitative and qualatative scoring criteria outlined in the RFP documents.
GEN 00010 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Are there timeline expectations for when definitive agreements may be locked in after that 1Q25 timeline for the shortlist?
Answer: It's difficult to commit to a firm date due to uncertainty about the nature and quantity of proposals submitted into the process.
GEN 00011 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Are there any preferences for wind vs. solar in RFP 1 or storage vs. thermal in RFP 2?
Answer: There is no current preference for any specific technology at this time. Resource planning modeling will determine the optimal portfolio based on resource cost and availability.
GEN 00012 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For the 1st intermittent RFP, are you only looking for Capacity or do you want a PPA such as 20 years for Energy & Capacity? Or a BTA for both Energy & Capacity?
Answer: We are looking for energy and capacity.
GEN 00013 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: LG is on the list of approved solar modules, but not batteries. Is LG approved for batteries?
Answer: Yes.
GEN 00014 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Will you consider a hybrid Solar + Battery Energy Storage for Energy & Capacity?
GEN 00015 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For the distributed RFP - is AES interested in distributed solar resources or is it limited to capacity resources only?
Answer: Both.
GEN 00016 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Should RFP1 include ONLY transmission-level interconnects? (meaning all distribution-level interconnects should be submitted under RFP4)
Answer: RFP1 and RFP2, together the all-source RFP, are targeting transmission interconnected projects.
GEN 00017 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Is there a specified interconnection voltage desired for RFP4? and/or target areas or substations?
Answer: No.
GEN 00018 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For RFP3, you noted a 3-8 year bridge solution target but asked specifically for ZRC bids in support of 2024/2025 and 2026/2027. Will AES accept bids for ZRC's in years beyond 2027 given the 3-8 year bridge target?
GEN 00019 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Will you consider projects in PJM & MISO?
GEN 00020 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For the distributed solar RFP - can you clarify whether the price of these proposals will be compared to the utility-scale proposals?
Answer: Projects bid into RFP 4 will be considered against other RFP 4 proposals. Resource planning modeling will determine the preferred portfolio of resource types based on the cost, availability and performance characteristics of all bids submitted across the RFP.
GEN 00021 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Should Hybrid PV + BESS be submitted to RFP #1?
Answer: Hybrid resources are considered intermittent.
GEN 00022 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For RFP2 PPA/toll, Will AES accept settlement at non-AES busbar?
Answer: Yes. Bidders should be clear on PPA settlement points.
GEN 00023 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: With respect to RFP2 and battery storage offerings - would AES prefer (1) battery storage projects that are overbuilt and maintain the nameplate capacity over the first several years of the project or (2) a battery project that provides the nameplate capacity only on Day 1 and then degrades consistent with normal battery performance? Similarly, would AES prefer battery storage submissions that get augmented every 4 years such that they are capable of delivering the nameplate capacity throughout the life of the project, recognizing that these projects will be more expensive?
Answer: AES prefers projects maintain their stated nameplate capacity over the life of the asset. Bidders should be clear in their submissions about their assumptions about performance degradation and other factors. Those considerations will be reflected in the economic evaluation of each project. Projects that degrade over the asset's life without overbuild or augmentation will be treated as such in the quantitative modeling.
GEN 00024 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Does AES have a preferred COD for new projects being offered?
Answer: Preferred COD will depend on resource planning modeling.
GEN 00025 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For RFPs 1 and 2, does AES have a preference for PPA vs. BTA?
Answer: No. Bids will be evaluated based on their economics as well as the non-price considerations posted to the Information Website.
GEN 00026 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: If we would like to enter multiple facilities into the RFP, is it acceptable to create a single bundled proposal with multiple facilities?
Answer: Yes, however AES Indiana would prefer to receive bundled options broken out into single facility offers as well. Bidders should be clear on bid packages or mutually exclusive bid options.
GEN 00027 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Would AES be open to PPA with a purchase option later in the term?
GEN 00028 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Is AES open to receiving bids for projects with CODs in 2028 or 2029?
GEN 00029 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: For the asset sale aspect of the RFP, would an existing distribution level resource be considered?
GEN 00030 Published On: 10/15/2024
Question: Can you provide the dimensions, size, and co-ordinates for AES owned sites?
Answer: Please see the below publicly available maps of the AES facilities.
GEN 00031 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: Is AES Indiana amenable to or prefers bids that have declining capacity over time rather than maintaining a specific capacity guarantee?
Answer: All bids will be evaluated consistent with the RFP process's stated evaluation criteria. AES will consider all bids that offer value to customers.
GEN 00032 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: Seeing that AES Indiana has a preference for LRZ6 resources but will consider resources outside LRZ6 - does this include LRZ1 as well?
GEN 00033 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: What is the preferred COD for RFP4?
Answer: Preferred COD will depend on resource planning modeling. Bidders are encouraged to submit all bids that may offer value to customers.
GEN 00034 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: - Can a generating asset on distribution level (nameplate capacity: 10 MW) participate in RFP1? - The information session slides indicate that RFP 4 is for distributed energy resources that qualify for IRA incentives and/or provide MISO credit capacity. What factors would disqualify a distribution level resource from providing MISO capacity? If an existing generator on the distribution level does not qualify for the IRA tax benefits, does this disqualify the facility from RFP4? - For the asset sale aspect of the RFP, would an existing distribution level resource be considered?
Answer: Bidders are encouraged to submit any option into the RFP that may offer value to AES customers.
GEN 00035 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: Does solar only resource with only capacity available in Zone 4 (energy already contracted to another entity) qualify for RFP3 RFP for Bridge & Near-Term Capacity Solutions? As I understand from the RFP3 this is geared towards RFP Renewable resources paired with storage, thermal resources, standalone storage facilities and other physical resources either existing or in development with preference in Zone 6.
Answer: Bidders are encouraged to submit any bid into the RFP that may offer value to customers.
GEN 00036 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Could additional detail be provided about the Supplier Diversity requirement? 1. It’s not clear to us what the definition of diversity is in this context. 2. What would the target for diversity be and how is this measured? 3. Does diversity refer to equipment suppliers or construction providers? 4. Is the requirement in reference to DEI or supply chain?
Answer: AES is requesting that bidders describe their diversity policies and highlight any milestones or achievements that they feel may warrant consideration.
GEN 00037 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: I was reviewing the AVL for this RFP, and our patented IP is not listed, and the 3rd party OEM hybrid inverter product is also not listed on the AVL. I see emerging technologies listed as a possible avenue, and our project and technology falls into this category. So, just checking in to ensure that AES is willing to expand its AVL to use our listed products, should the project become approved for construction in this RFP process?
Answer: AES does not have strict AVL requirements for emerging technologies.
GEN 00038 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Please provide any RFP instruction on the ratio of Solar PV and BESS coupled /co-located project. If we propose 30 MW Solar PV and 8 MW BESS, will that be accepted?
Answer: AES is not prescribing any specific solar to BESS ratio at this time. 30/8 will be accepted.
GEN 00039 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Please provide information regarding the stages of payment for EPC based projects and whether the payment will be released in stages or at once after COD.
Answer: Final payment timelines would be subject to negotiation at final due diligence.
GEN 00040 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Is there any preferential equipment from the equipment list in the RFP?
Answer: No. All suppliers on the Approved Vendor List are considered acceptable
GEN 00041 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Can equivalent of reputed manufacturers be proposed not covered in the RFP listed manufacturers?
Answer: Bidders should highlight any variance from the AVL. Manufacturer selection will be considered during the bid review.
GEN 00042 Published On: 10/29/2024
Question: For the distributed RFP - should we include interconnection cost in our PPA pricing? If so, what cost should we assume?
Answer: Interconnection cost assumptions should be determined by the Respondent. Any costs not included in the PPA price should be outlined in your Proposal.
GEN 00043 Published On: 10/29/2024
Question: Please provide the link for AES Indiana service territory transmission details under RFP 4 DER category for interconnection purposes.
Answer: Electric Service Territories (IURC) | IndianaMap
As stated in the RFP document, "DER projects must interconnect with the AES Indiana’s distribution system or be physically located in AES Indiana’s Local Balancing Authority." A map of AES Indiana's service territory is linked here.
GEN 00044 Published On: 11/01/2024
Question: Good afternoon, Question related to the Asset Sale Form in the RFP: What costs should be included in the O&M Costs line in the Asset Sale Form? What specific cost elements might this include? Thank you! Robert
Answer: Operational and Maintenance (O&M) costs for an existing asset can vary widely depending on the type of asset, its age, and location, but they generally include operations, preventive (scheduled) maintenance, and unscheduled maintenance.
DOC 00004 (revised 10/14/2024) Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: The RFP protocol mentions terms sheets in appendix D and E. However, there is only a pro forma in the PPA folder and an Existing Asset Transfer Agreement term sheet in the Ownership folder. When does AES Indiana plan on releasing the term sheets for the PPA and BTA structures or the expectation is for bidders to redline the full contract?
Answer: Bidders are expected to redline the contracts provided.
DOC 00005 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: 1. I noticed there was no APA contract template for solar only, should there be one? 2. Could you confirm that an APA is defined as a transfer of ownership to AES at NTP, just before the start of construction? 3. We are interested in offering an APA to AES whereby the project is transferred to AES prior to NTP. Would that structure be considered for evaluation by AES?
Answer: 1. Redlines to the hybrid contract are acceptable for solar only proposals.
2. Transfer at NTP would be the typical APA structure.
3. Bidders are encouraged to submit all bids that may offer value to AES customers..
DOC 00006 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: In the RFP Documents, Appendix D (Key Commercial Terms - Ownership) contains forms of Asset Purchase Agreement for Solar + Battery, Wind + Battery, and Standalone Battery. But there is not one for solar-only or wind-only. Can we submit an Asset Purchase bid for a solar project with no solar? If so, is there a separate document for those Key Commercial Terms?
Answer: Yes. We will accept an Asset Purchase bid for standalone solar and standalone battery. The Commercial terms documents are provided for guidance. If you have specific questions about terms that may apply to standalone renewables, please submit those questions.
DOC 00007 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: The RFP document states Respondents should redline a “Key Commercial Term Sheet." There is no term sheet in the zip file that matches our proposal type. Will we lose evaluation points if we do not redline the contracts before we are shortlisted?
Answer: AES Indiana has provided various contract templates and term sheets. We understand that these templates may not cover every proposal type. Additional contracts or term documents will not be provided. Respondents are encouraged to apply redlines to the template that most closely aligns with their proposed terms. As outlined in the Evaluation Criteria, comments to the AES form contracts will be reviewed, and we encourage a light touch as preference will be given to Respondents that accept AES's terms and conditions. Respondents who do not submit markups to the AES contract documents will not be penalized with a point deduction. However, a submission of markups will be viewed as a benefit under the project-specific point category. Respondents requiring extra time to submit redlines may request a reasonable extension for these documents.
DOC 00008 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Is there a specific Term Sheet for Standalone Storage Projects or should we use the solar + storage template?
Answer: AES Indiana has provided various contract templates and term sheets. We understand that these templates may not cover every proposal type. Additional contracts or term documents will not be provided. Respondents are encouraged to apply redlines to the template that most closely aligns with their proposed terms.
DOC 00009 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: In the BTA Contract Template (Only Battery), I see that AES Indiana has requested a Guaranteed BESS RT Efficiency of 98% and a Minimum BESS RT Efficiency of 95%. Was this intended to be Guaranteed BESS Availability of 98% and Minimum BESS Availability of 95%?
Answer: In the BTA Contract Template (Only Battery), this was intended to be Guaranteed BESS Availability of 98% and Minimum BESS Availability of 95%.
DOC 00010 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: Do the EPC Exhibits and Approved Vendors List apply to PPA submissions? I did not see any reference to them in the RFP guidance document nor in the PPA. Should standalone storage projects bidding a tolling agreement redline your solar + storage PPA form? Is there a storage specific form?
Answer: The approved vendor list would not apply to PPA. AES Indiana has provided various contract templates and term sheets. We understand that these templates may not cover every proposal type. Additional contracts or term documents will not be provided. Respondents are encouraged to apply redlines to the template that most closely aligns with their proposed terms. In this scenario, redlining the solar + storage PPA form would be acceptable.
DOC 00011 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: In the Battery BTA Pro Forma, “Guaranteed BESS RT Efficiency” means a BESS RT Efficiency of [98]%. Did AES Indiana mean availability of [98]% as the industry standard for RT Efficiency is around 86% - 87%?
Answer: In the Battery BTA contract template, this is intended to be Guaranteed BESS Availability of 98% and Minimum BESS Availability of 95%.
RUL 00001 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Will projects submitted at AES Indiana-owned sites be required to be owned by AES Indiana, or will AES Indiana allow projects on AES-owned sites to be structured as developer-owned PPAs?
Answer: AESI's preference would be to own those projects at AESI sites, but developer-owned sites would also be considered.
RUL 00002 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: How long after COD will collateral need to be held for a BTA and what is that amount?
Answer: The DA Collateral to be posted will be dependent on the type of Capacity Asset reflected in the selected Respondent’s Proposal. More details are including in Section 12 of the RFP Document. DA Collateral must be posted at the execution of the definitive agreement and will be in force until the transfer of title to AES Indiana for generating asset Proposals.
RUL 00003 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Does the pre-qual deadline apply to the RFI also?
Answer: Yes, we encourage all Respondents to fill out the Pre-Qualification Documents.
RUL 00004 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Is there a bid security?
Answer: There is no bid security. However, in some cases there may be bid fees. Respondents may submit up to three (3) for project sites at no cost in response to each RFP. Respondents submitting more than three (3) project sites will incur a Generation Proposal Evaluation Fee for each additional Proposal submitted. Please refer to Section 7 of the RFP document.
RUL 00005 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: You state you are looking for projects to come online as early as 2027 for the long-term RFPs. Is there a required COD year projects must meet to be considered?
Answer: There is no required COD to be considered.
RUL 00006 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Is an interconnection position required for RFP 4 proposals?
Answer: No, this is not a requirement for RFP 4.
RUL 00007 Published On: 10/14/2024
Question: Regarding RFP 4: If the facility is distribution level but does not qualify for the IRA benefits outlined in the RFP4 description, does that disqualify the facility from that RFP?
Answer: No. We will evaluate bids for RFP4 that do not have IRA benefits.
RUL 00008 Published On: 10/21/2024
Question: Can you please clarify what constitutes a Proposal for purposes of the Generation Proposal Evaluation Fee. For example: 1) If we submit both a 100 MW and 200 MW BESS configuration at the same site, would that count as one or two Proposals for the purposes of the Generation Proposal Evaluation Fee? 2) If we submitted a PV, PV+S, and stand-alone BESS all for the same installed capacity of 200 MW at the same site, would that count as one or three Proposals for the purposes of the Generation Proposal Evaluation Fee?
Answer: 1. The proposed set would constitute 1 site.
2. The proposed set would constitute 1 site.
RUL 00009 Published On: 10/23/2024
Question: For the purposes of Definitive Agreement Collateral and Operating Security, if we submit a hybrid proposal for 200 MW PV+BESS at a site, what would the MW amount be that is used for calculating the appropriate collateral amount? Would it be 200 MW total across both the PV offtake and BESS toll agreement (e.g., @$20/kW for a new generation facility at the execution of a definitive agreement for 200 MW, yielding $4M total for both agreements) or would it be 200 MW each for the PV offtake and BESS toll agreement (e.g., @$20/kW for a new generation facility at the execution of a definitive agreement for 200 MW, yielding $4M total for each agreement for $8M total for both agreements)?
Answer: Final definitive agreement collateral requirements may be subject to negotiation. Representative amounts included in the RFP document were provided to give an indication of potential magnitude. For the scenario outlined, AES would consider using 200 MW as the basis for the DA collateral.