Maine PUC extends LNG storage RFP

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) extended the deadline for responses to a request for proposals (RFP) on Tuesday regarding physical energy storage (PES) contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage, pushing the deadline to Nov. 4.

The initial RFP was issued Sept. 14 with a deadline of Oct. 14. The request was issued according to “An Act to Allow the Public Utilities Commission to Contract for Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Distribution.”

The act recognized the right of the PUC to oversee or direct one or more of Maine’s transmission and distribution utilities, gas utilities, or natural gas pipeline utilities. The PUC’s designated authority regards utility transmission and distribution efforts according to a PES contract that established certain requirements.

“The commission looks forward to receiving proposals responsive to the RFP and will evaluate them in accordance with statutory directive in a continued effort to seek solutions to Maine and New England’s regional energy challenges,” Commission Chairman Mark Vannoy said.

The legislature declared the that the PUC will ensure provisions that all PES contracts will materially enhance LNG storage capacities in Maine, and offer net benefits to the state’s electricity and natural gas consumers. The commission will also confirm PES contracts offer opportunities for customers to access affordable natural gas during periods of high demand or infrastructure disruption. PES contracts are also required to improve electrical and natural gas reliability within Michigan.