This is a service / maintenance or supply contract in Huntsville, Alabama. Contact the soliciting agency for additional information.

Huntsville Utilities (HU) is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from utility management consulting or engineering firms (Consultants) interested in providing professional services to assist in the development of a Community Energy Resource Plan (CERP). The Consultant selected by HU will be offered the opportunity to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with HU. Huntsville Utilities seeks professional consulting/engineering services to assist in preparing, facilitating, drafting, and presenting Huntsville's first Community Energy Resource Plan. This would involve defining a scope of work and devising a plan for effective coordination and execution of this endeavor. Huntsville Utilities is a municipal utility with approximately 220,000 electric customers, 63,000 natural gas customers, and 106,000 water customers. HU also operates a citywide fiber optic network that supports utility and municipal needs and is utilized by GoogleFiber to provide broadband services. HU receives all its power from the Tennessee Valley Authority, aside from a 30MW solar project built in partnership with Toyota. HU also relies on TVA for transmission services (connected at 161kV) to 14 delivery points. HU operates a total of 108 substations (most being 46kV to 25kV or 12kV). HU's electric system includes approximately 231 miles of 46kV subtransmission and 5,049 miles of 25kV or 12kV of electric distribution. HU's gas system is interconnected with two regional pipelines. Black Bear's AlaTenn (tied to Columbia Gulf and Tennessee Gas) and Kinder Morgan's Southern Natural pipelines. HU has secured approximately 81,000 MMBtu of maximum flow between both pipelines. The gas distribution system includes approximately 1,564 miles of main, with operating pressures of 267psi, 50psi, and 15psi. Huntsville and Madison County are growing (electric meter counts have risen 25% over the last ten years), and our region's energy needs are becoming more complex. Despite customer growth, energy consumption is flat, and electric demand fluctuates dramatically based on weather. Huntsville has a unique commercial/industrial profile with a substantial population of defense, aerospace, and automotive industries. HU meets regularly with TVA to discuss regional energy needs. Through these meetings, new opportunities are being considered, and community leaders need to understand the changes underway and new solutions on the horizon. Therefore, HU would like to develop a comprehensive Community Energy Resource Plan to educate stakeholders, identify alignment, and develop recommendations to policymakers to meet the community's long-term energy needs. HU is considering engaging eight (8) to twelve (12) forward-thinking community leaders who are willing to commit to at least six (6) information-heavy meetings where we discuss the following: o HU/TVA Fundamentals and the Changing Energy Landscape o Economic Development/Community Growth o Transmission/Distribution Smart Grid Solutions o Demand Response/Energy Efficiency Programs o Local Generation Options o Legal/Governance Implications The Consultant will facilitate and lead the in-person meetings, ensuring the subject matter experts attend. The work will likely include coordinating and/or developing forecasts and scenarios to illuminate how community growth and changes in customer usage impact potential projects, programs, or other strategic considerations. While rate analysis is not a primary output of this plan, some planning models will be needed to weigh the available options. After these sessions, the panel will approve a Community Energy Resource Plan document, including recommendations for the HU boards and City Council regarding Huntsville's energy future. The Consultant must quickly become knowledgeable of HU's wholesale power structure with TVA, including TVA's Integrated Resource Plan, Valley Vision 2035 initiative, and related programs and considerations. Question Deadline 07/22/2024 at 3:00 PM CT All questions regarding the SOQ must be submitted to Miranda Duke in writing at Miranda.Duke@hsvutil.org The method of Contractor Selection has not been Determined at this time