2009 Black Hills Energy - Colorado Electric: Non-Intermittent Resource Solicitation

On August 5, 2008, less than 30 days after Black Hills Corporation acquired Aquila Networks-WPC, Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric filed a proposal with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) detailing how the company plans to provide electrical service to its 92,000 customers in 21 southeastern Colorado communities beginning in 2012.

In response, on February 24, 2009, the Colorado PUC made an initial decision to allow Black Hills to build two utility-owned and operated generation facilities, specifically two General Electric natural gas-fired LMS-100 combustion turbines. The remaining 175 to 200 MW capacity must be acquired via competitive bidding.

On March 25, 2009, Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric will issue a non-intermittent resource solicitation seeking resources to meet the company’s remaining capacity needs. The solicitation seeks proposals from any non-intermittent dispatchable resource with the ability to operate at or above a 95 percent capacity factor.

Responses to the 2009 Colorado Electric: Non-Intermittent Resource Solicitation are due no later than 4:00 p.m. MT on June 8, 2009.

Important Dates to Remember:

  • RFP, Model PPA and Forms Issued – March 25, 2009
  • Pre-Bid Conference – April 1, 2009
  • Notice of Intent to Bid – May 1, 2009
  • Proposals Due – by 4:00 p.m. MT on June 8, 2009
  • Short List Deadline - August 8, 2009
  • Execution of PPA – December 8, 2009

Pre-Bid Conference – April 1, 2009

  • Pueblo Convention Center
    2:00 – 5:00 p.m. MT
    320 Central Main St.
    Pueblo, CO 81003

  • Please use the below links to listen to an audio recording of the Pre-Bid Conference.

    Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric: Pre-Bid Meeting Recap, April 1, 2009
    Please use the below links to listen to an audio recording of the Pre-Bid Meeting.
    • Part 1: Pre-Bid Meeting Re-cap (SWF - 20 MB - 29 minutes - 29:54)
    • Part 2: Pre-Bid Meeting Re-cap (SWF - 20 MB - 35 minutes - 35:54)
    • April 1, 2009 Bidder Meeting Presentation (PDF - 998 KB)

Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric: RFP, Model PPA & Forms

Black Hills Energy – Colorado Electric: Commission Decisions

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions