Seminole Electric calls for up to 150MW of renewable energy

Seminole Electric of Florida has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking 150 MW of new renewable energy capacity.

Seminole is the wholesale energy supplier for 10 electric distribution co-op systems in Florida. Its members together serve more than 850,000 consumers, in 46 of Florida's 67 counties, making up the state's third largest electricity consumer group.

A company spokesperson hoped the RFP would encourage the development of new renewable energy projects in Florida, reinforcing a key goal of Florida's newly created Energy Commission (FEC).

Seminole seeks proposals from qualified and eligible bidders to provide up to 150 MW of firm renewable capacity and energy, beginning as early as December 1, 2007. Any proposal must be for at least 1 MW, and renewable resources include facilities using wind, photovoltaic, landfill gas, biomass, municipal solid waste, anaerobic digester, and hydropower fuel sources.

The cooperative is interested in receiving proposals with terms of 10 to 20 years. Proposals will be considered for either existing or planned resources.

Qualification and eligibility criteria for proposals are detailed in the RFP, which is posted on Seminole's web site at http://www.seminole-electric.com/. The RFP includes all forms required for bid submissions.

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m., Eastern Time, April 16, 2007. Additional details are available from Seminole.

Seminole is a generation and transmission cooperative (G&T). Its members serve some of the fastest growing areas of Florida, which adds an estimated 1,000 residents a day.

In 2007, Seminole expects to serve only about four percent of its members' energy needs through contracted renewable resources, well behind other American states.