SMECO Requests Proposals For Solar Energy

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO), through the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO), has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for solar energy projects in Maryland.  Proposals may include outright ownership of new or existing facilities, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), PPAs with ownership or renewal options at the end of a PPA term, or other arrangements as may be offered under the RFP.

The RFP is intended to solicit bids for resources to meet requirements for 2012 and beyond.  Resources available within the next two years will be evaluated.  NRCO and SMECO will consider only those renewable solar resources which meet the definitions contained within the Maryland renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements for solar energy.  Only commercially proven photovoltaic technologies will be considered.

“All utilities in Maryland are required to procure a certain amount of renewable energy or renewable energy credits,” explained Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO.  He added, “As good stewards of the environment, we want to encourage the growth of the renewable energy sector.  Our customer-members expect us to be involved with eco-friendly projects that don’t add significantly to the cost of electricity.  If a project helps us to accomplish our goals, and it is located within our service area, that’s a double benefit.” 

SMECO hopes that, through the RFP process, it will be able to identify and participate in a solar project that will provide a cost effective source of clean, renewable energy that will also serve to fulfill a portion of its RPS obligation every year for the next twenty-plus years.  To view the full RFP please visit the SMECO website at www.smeco.coop/rfp; questions pertaining to the RFP may be sent to solar@nrco.coop. 

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