Consulting services - avoided costs

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina is soliciting Request for Proposal (RFP) consulting services for avoided costs proceedings across three specific utility dockets involving Dominion Energy South Carolina and Duke Energy's Carolina and Progress subsidiaries. The procurement seeks qualified, independent third-party consultants to evaluate avoided cost rates, methodologies, terms, calculations, and conditions for these utility proceedings. Consultants must be prepared to participate in public interviews, potentially be deposed, cross-examined, and testify before the Commission as required. The RFP was issued on January 31, 2022, with proposal submissions due by April 26, 2022, at 2:00 PM EST, and questions from potential offerors must be received by April 1, 2022. The anticipated contract period runs from May 9, 2022, to June 30, 2024, with proposals to be publicly opened during a Commission Business Meeting on April 28, 2022.

The solicitation is specifically targeted at independent third-party consultants who can comply with ex parte prohibitions under South Carolina Code Section 58-3-260. Vendor registration with the State of South Carolina is mandatory, and offerors must provide a written conflicts of interest certification. Pricing will be submitted as hourly rates, with potential reimbursement for lodging (not exceeding current GSA maximum rates) and meals (up to $35 per day in-state and $50 per day out-of-state). The procurement is authorized by the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act, which exempts the Commission from standard State Procurement Code requirements for consultant selection. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the Commission indicates the contract may be awarded to multiple qualified consultants across the three listed utility dockets. The solicitation does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or list incumbent vendors.