AEP Ohio stated that it will evaluate the proposals from the parties based on the criteria given in the RFP. It said that preference will be given to the plants that are in Appalachian Ohio, create permanent manufacturing jobs in the region and a commitment to hire military veterans from the state.
The last date for receiving the proposals from interested parties in December 18. AEP Ohio has appointed Navigant as the independent RFP manager for the task.
AEP Ohio stated that its plans to pursue the development of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar are part of its commitment with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) made last November.
The commitment includes the establishment of 400MW of solar and 500MW of wind generation in the state of Ohio. The renewable energy projects need approval from PUCO.
Presently, customers of AEP in Ohio receive renewable generation service through long-term power purchase agreements with 10 MW Wyandot Solar Farm near Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and the Fowler Ridge (100 MW, Benton and Tippacanoe Counties, Indiana) and Timber Road (99 MW, Paulding County, Ohio) wind farms.
In July, AEP announced investment for the 2GW Wind Catcher Energy Connection, a major wind project to be undertaken in four states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
The major clean energy project is expected to generate 9 million MWh. A total investment of $4.5bn is expected to be needed for this project and is expected to save more than $7bn from AEP’s customers over a 25 year period.
