The largest judicial court system in the United States — California’s — is seeking bids to develop renewable microgrids or solar and storage for 32 of its courthouses, judicial centers and other sites.
The state Judicial Council issued a request for proposals (RFP) this week as part of its effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure renewable electric supply for its facilities.
The RFP seeks proposals for systems that offer renewable microgrids, solar and batteries or solar alone. The projects will operate under solar power purchase agreements or solar equipment lease agreements, which may vary based on the needs of each site.
The council plans to award the contract to one bidder, who may be a financier, asset owner or developer.
In developing the grid-connected projects, the council’s goals are to:
- Provide electric price stability
- Improve the resilience of court operations during power outages
- Demonstrate commitment to renewable energy
- Promote local economic development
- Enhance public awareness about the council’s pursuit of sustainable technologies
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
While the bid winner will own the installation, the Judicial Council will own any renewable energy certificates associated with the project.
The winner will be chosen based on a 100-point ranking scale, with the greatest number of points given for the cost savings offered by the project (30 points).
Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 5 pm PST. The council is aiming for a contract start date of June 15, 2023.
A non-mandatory pre-conference call about the RFP will be held Monday, September 26, 2022, at 10 am PST. (Call-In Number: 1-877-820-7831; participant Passcode: 109630)
Questions regarding the RFP should be submitted in writing to [email protected] by Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 5 pm PST.
The RFP is available on the California Courts website (RFP-FS-2021-07-BD)
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