On January 27, Arizona Public Service (APS) announced two requests for proposals (RFPs), one for new sources of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy and the other for Arizona-based wind.  

The RFP for solar PV seeks proposals for projects that are between 15 and 50 megawatts and that employ commercially proven technology.  APS’s goal is to procure approximately 220,000 megawatt hours per year from this PV solicitation. Respondents are required to provide proposals for long-term power purchase agreements and/or "turn-key" agreements.  The latter are sometimes called BTAs (Build-Transfer Agreements) or DBS (Design-Build-Sell) agreements–however named, APS anticipates that the agreement would require the developer to build the project and transfer it to APS when the project is completed.  (As an aside, turn-key agreements that do not transfer the asset until commercial operation require very careful attention to "notice to proceed" clauses and conditions, lest defects in title, permits or some other matter thwart the closing and leave the developer’s asset unsold or, worse, stranded.)

In its press release, APS encouraged parties to participate in the photovoltaic RFP bidder’s conference on March 12, 2010.  Additional information about the conference and the RFP is available online at www.aps.com/rfp.  RFP submissions are due April 7, 2010.

On the wind side, APS is looking for wind projects between 15 and 100 megawatts located entirely within Arizona.  Respondents are required to provide proposals for long-term power purchase and/or "turn-key" agreements.   Interested parties are encouraged to participate in the Arizona-based wind RFP bidder’s teleconference on March 17, 2010.  Additional information about the conference and the RFP is available online at www.aps.com/rfp.  RFP submissions are due April 14, 2010.