KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Appalachian Power is seeking proposals from developers to purchase up to 200 megawatts (MW) of completed solar and/or wind generation projects. Adding more clean energy options for customers is an ongoing priority for the company.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued today by Kingsport Power Company, which does business in northeast Tennessee as AEP Appalachian Power. The company serves about 48,000 retail customers in the Kingsport area.
Appalachian Power seeks to acquire the completed wind and/or solar generating plants through one or more purchase and sale agreements. Facilities must be at least 50 MW in size and achieve a commercial operation date of no later than Dec. 15, 2025.
All projects must be interconnected to PJM, the independent regional transmission organization that manages the electric grid in 13 states. Under the RFP, Appalachian Power may acquire single or multiple wind and/or solar facilities from winning bidders who meet certain economic and operational criteria.
“Appalachian Power and our AEP sister companies together produce 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. “Renewable energy is what many customers are asking for and one of the ways we’re meeting that need is by reaching out to developers of solar and wind to see what opportunities are available to add more reliable, affordable clean energy to our mix.”
Businesses seeking to submit a proposal can access criteria, required forms, and other specifics online at www.appalachianpower.com/rfp. Proposals are due by July 11, 2022. Any project selected by Appalachian Power through the RFP process is conditional upon and subject to approval by the required regulatory authorities.
Appalachian Power has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is part of American Electric Power, which is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.5 million customers in 11 states. AEP is also one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy.