Duke Energy issues renewable RFP for Ohio

Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) announced today that its Duke Energy Ohio unit is seeking proposals for renewable energy resources to begin delivering energy in the 2009 to 2012 time period.

Duke Energy Ohio issued a request for proposals for a minimum of 61,000 megawatt hours by 2009 to help it comply with requirements under Ohio's new renewable energy portfolio standards, with the company's renewable needs expected to grow to 355,000 MWh by the end of 2012.

"This is the first step in implementing one of the key provisions of the new Ohio energy statute," said Sandra Meyer, president of Duke Energy Ohio.

"We hope that our request will garner significant interest in the renewables industry in Ohio."

Duke Energy said the Ohio energy law requires local utilities to generate 50 percent of their renewable power from facilities located in the state. As a result, the company said it would give preference to renewable power produced in Ohio.

Duke Energy Ohio's request includes 1,000 MWh of solar photovoltaic or solar thermal by 2009, and 15,000 MWh by the end of 2012.

For other renewables, the Duke unit is seeking 60,000 MWh by 2009, and 340,000 MWh by the end of 2012.

Those other renewables include wind, geothermal, energy from waste, biomass, hydroelectric, biologically derived methane gas, energy derived from pulping and wood manufacturing, fuel cells, and storage facilities that use off-peak power from renewable energy.

Duke Energy said its Ohio subsidiary serves deliver electricity to approximately 687,000 electric customers and natural gas service to approximately 424,000 customers.