El Paso Electric launches all-source request for proposals of long-term resources
Looking to address current and expected demand from its Texas customers, El Paso Electric (EPE) issued an all-source request for proposals (RFP) this week for 600 MW of long-term generating resources through 2030.
“The All-Source RFP is designed to help provide the generation resources needed to replace our older generating units,” Kelly Tomblin, president and CEO, said. “Several of our plants are more than sixty years old and our customer demand continues to increase year after year, especially in our Texas service territory. The All-Source RFP is one method of evaluating and procuring the best option to continue to serve our customer affordability and reliably as we face new peak loads and accommodate electrification.”
Initial resource planning studies painted a capacity need of around 300 MW for EPE between May 1, 2025 and May 1, 2027. They added that another 300 MW would be needed by May 2030, to cover summer peak periods. Retirements of some of those older units are also planned, which could exacerbate issues if not addressed.
Bidders will have until Nov. 21, 2023 to submit a notice of intent, and EPE signaled plans to select final bids on March 22, 2024.
