Cleveland_Public_Power_RFI_for_Utility_Scale_BESS_Frequency_Regulation.pdf

Community Owned Renewable Energy BESS

CLEVELAND PUBLIC POWER RFI FOR UTILITY SCALE

BESS FREQUENCY REGULATION

City of Cleveland

Department of Public Utilities

601 Lakeside Ave

Cleveland, OH 44114

RELEASE DATE: August 28, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: September 11, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 18, 2026, 12:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/clevelandoh

City of Cleveland

Cleveland Public Power RFI for Utility Scale BESS Frequency

Regulation

I. Introduction

II. Project Details

III. Vendor Submissions

IV. General Terms and Conditions

Attachments:

A - Cover Letter

#Community Owned Renewable Energy BESS Title: Cleveland Public Power RFI for Utility Scale BESS Frequency Regulation

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

Cleveland Public Power (CPP) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to obtain commercial insights to evaluate risks and benefits related to the deployment of a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage

System (BESS). CPP is evaluating how a BESS in the 30–50 MW range could support participation in frequency regulation services within the PJM market and provide customer-focused economic value through operational savings and market compensation mechanisms.

CPP seeks feedback from qualified vendors, developers, integrators, and technology providers regarding system capabilities, control strategies, participation models, performance expectations, risks, and cost considerations associated with frequency regulation. This information will support CPP’s internal cost-benefit analysis and assist in evaluating the financial feasibility of implementing a BESS for frequency regulation and other system support functions such as peak shaving.

This RFI is informational only and is not a solicitation for proposals or pricing. CPP will use the information collected to refine project objectives and assess potential procurement pathways for future

BESS projects.

1.2. Background

CPP is a municipal electric utility owned and operated by the City. CPP ranks as the largest municipally owned utility in Ohio. CPP currently serves over 74,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers with a peak system demand exceeding 300 megawatts.

CPP maintains four 138-kV transmission interconnections with the PJM market, supplying 36 substations throughout Cleveland and supporting distribution voltages of 13.8 kV, 11.5 kV, and 2.4 kV. CPP is evaluating the deployment of BESS at selected substations, including one 138kV transmission site and multiple 138kV to 13.8kV distribution substations.

1.3. Contact Information

Project Contact:

Alicia Moyers Project Coordinator 1300 Lakeside Ave E Cleveland, OH 44114 Email: amoyers@cpp.org Phone: (216) 664-3922 Ext: 76129

Procurement Contact:

Charlie Rosol Procurement Specialist 1201 Lakeside Ave.

4th floor South Cleveland, OH 44114 Email: charlie_rosol@clevelandwater.com Phone: (216) 644-2444 Ext: 75411 mailto:amoyers@cpp.org tel:(216)664-3922;ext=76129 mailto:charlie_rosol@clevelandwater.com tel:(216)644-2444;ext=75411

Department:

Public Utilities

Department Head:

Martin J. Keane Director

1.4. Timeline

Release Project Date August 28, 2026

Question Submission Deadline September 11, 2026, 1:00pm

Submission Deadline September 18, 2026, 12:00pm

2. Project Details

2.1. Important Instructions for Electronic Submittal

The City of Cleveland is accepting electronic submissions. Vendors shall create a FREE account with

OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Submit Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

2.2. Purpose

Through this RFI, CPP seeks to better understand how BESS technology can be utilized for participation in frequency regulation, including revenue generation, capital expenses, expected operational and maintenance needs, system degradation impacts, and lifecycle cost considerations. CPP is also requesting information on how participation in frequency regulation services could create cost offsets or provide economic value that ultimately benefits CPP’s customers. This information will support high-level planning and feasibility analysis as CPP considers a BESS installation capable of supporting both frequency regulation and peak shaving.

2.3. Scope

Provide information to support evaluation of a utility-scale BESS sized approximately 30–50 MW (120–

200 MWh). Respondents should tailor their feedback to this general range unless an alternative size is recommended for technical or operational reason(s).

The BESS may serve multiple operational roles within CPP’s system, CPP’s primary interest in this RFI is understanding how a resource of this size could participate in frequency regulation within the PJM market and what customer-focused economic value such participation could provide.

CPP is seeking general, non-technical information related to expected performance assumptions, market participation models, and operational cost considerations associated with frequency regulation.

Respondents should also provide the type of cost model, fee structure, or cost ranges typically used when operating or managing a BESS in the frequency regulation market. This may include high-level estimates or projection frameworks sufficient to support CPP’s early-stage cost analysis and evaluation of potential customer benefits from frequency regulation participation.

Technical specifications, detailed design documentation, and project-specific engineering information are not required as part of this RFI. Responses should remain high-level and relevant to CPP’s early-stage evaluation and planning process.

2.4. Information Requested from Vendors

1. Market Participation Approach

What model or operating approach would you recommend for a BESS of this size participating in frequency regulation within PJM? Aside from frequency regulation and peak shaving, are there other ancillary services you would recommend with a BESS of this size? What are the opportunity costs of only participating in frequency regulation?

2. Frequency Regulation Capability Provide detailed information on how the proposed system could support frequency regulation services.

https://procurement.opengov.com/signup

Include expected response times, ramp rates, accuracy of response tracking, and any certifications or performance standards the system adheres to for frequency regulation applications.

3. Cost Model for Frequency Regulation Operations

What cost model and fee structures are offered for providing BESS frequency regulation services? Please include cost ranges or drivers sufficient to support CPP’s early-stage analysis.

4. Market Compensation and Customer Value Based on your experience with similar projects, please provide high level estimates or projection models that illustrate the potential market-based returns, cost offsets, or other forms of economic value that could be generated through frequency regulation participation by a BESS of this size. CPP also requests estimated cost ranges associated with operating in the frequency regulation market, including any participation-related operational or maintenance costs beyond standard asset-level O&M. Estimates may be provided in ranges or through representative models suitable for early-stage cost analysis.

5. Operational Behavior and Degradation What general operational or lifecycle impacts should CPP anticipate for a BESS regularly providing frequency regulation services, including expected cycling behavior, degradation patterns, or major O&M considerations? What are the risks of participation in frequency response and other ancillary services, like peak shaving.

6. Recommendations and Best Practices Offer any additional insights, considerations, or best practices CPP should be aware of when planning a

BESS that may serve multiple operational roles.

3. Vendor Submissions

3.1. Respondent Submittals*

Respondents should provide clear, concise, and complete information aligned with the questions listed in this RFI. Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format and include the following components:

A. Vendor Background and Qualifications

Provide an overview of your organization, including relevant experience with utility scale battery energy storage systems, participation in frequency regulation markets, and any prior projects comparable in size or scope to the system described in this RFI. Include certifications, technical expertise, or partnerships that support your credibility as a qualified respondent.

B. Narrative Response to RFI Questions

Submit a structured narrative that addresses each question included in the RFI. Respondents may include supporting materials such as diagrams, data sheets, or brief case studies if they directly relate to the requested information.

C. Cost-Related Information

While detailed pricing is not required, CPP requests general cost insights relevant to high level planning. Respondents may provide indicative ranges, typical cost drivers, or lifecycle cost considerations associated with system design, frequency regulation participation, and expected

O&M needs. Cost information should be presented at a level suitable for early-stage analysis rather than procurement evaluation.

D. Additional Materials (Optional)

Respondents may include any additional information, recommendations, or resources they believe would assist CPP in evaluating the feasibility and operational value of implementing a BESS for frequency regulation and other system needs.

*Response required

3.2. I certify that I have read, understood and agree to the terms in this solicitation, and that I am authorized to submit this response on behalf of my company.*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4. General Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer:

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for

Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the City of

Cleveland (the City) to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. All information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary, and the City will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the City.

4. General Terms and Conditions