The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) issued procurement solicitations for standard products energy and capacity contracts with three utility companies: Ameren Illinois Company (AIC), Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), and MidAmerican Energy Company (MEC). The Spring 2016 procurement event sought bids for monthly on-peak and off-peak standard block forward products as well as combination products for AIC, ComEd, and MidAmerican for a supply period from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2019. The Fall 2016 procurement event similarly sought bids for monthly on-peak and off-peak standard block forward products for all three utilities, plus a separate capacity procurement event for AIC seeking annual Zonal Resource Credits (ZRCs) for planning years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
Key dates for the Spring 2016 procurement included Part 1 Proposal submission by April 7, 2016 (12:00 PM CPT) and Part 2 submission by April 21, 2016 (5:00 PM CPT), with bid results announced on April 29, 2016. For Fall 2016, the Part 1 Window opened August 18, 2016, with Part 2 proposals due September 7, 2016 (12:00 PM CPT) for energy products. The capacity procurement for AIC had a bid date of September 16, 2016. Bidder information webcasts were held on March 28, 2016 (Spring) and August 17, 2016 (Fall).
Bidders were required to submit detailed proposals including Part 1 forms covering company qualifications, financial information, and representative designations, as well as Part 2 forms with certifications and bid forms. Pre-bid letters of credit were mandatory with specific dollar amounts per utility. All winning bids were subject to Illinois Commerce Commission approval. The RFP included comprehensive contract terms with master power purchase and sales agreements, collateral annexes, and detailed specifications for guaranties and letters of credit.