UniSource Launches All-Source RFP For 200 MW Of Summer and Winter Capacity: Submissions Open Until April 2025

UniSource Energy Services is looking for new energy solutions, including power plants, battery storage, and ways to manage electricity demand. To find the best options, the company has launched an all-source request for proposals (ASRFP), open for submissions until April 11, 2025. This ASRFP supports UniSource’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to expand power generation to meet increasing summer and winter electricity demand while reducing reliance on buying power from the wholesale market.

The company is inviting competitive proposals to add up to 200 megawatts (MW) of reliable summer and winter capacity. Options include supply-side resources like natural gas power plants and battery storage, which must provide power when needed, especially during summer peak hours. Demand-side solutions, such as demand response and load management, must be able to quickly reduce electricity use when required, even if only for short periods.

UniSource plans to review proposals before summer and expects to make selections by fall. While the company prefers projects to be operational by May 1, 2028, proposals with in-service dates up to May 1, 2029, will also be considered. The 2023 IRP outlines plans to more than double UniSource’s electricity supply as demand grows and regional energy constraints increase. By 2038, the company aims to add 350 MW of solar and wind energy, 200 MW of natural gas turbines, and 225 MW of battery storage. Currently, UniSource has about 300 MW of generation capacity.