Consulting Services - Avoided Costs

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina is requesting proposals for consulting services to evaluate avoided costs, methodologies, and rate calculations for Duke Energy Progress, LLC's 2027 Avoided Cost Proceeding under South Carolina Code Section 58-41-20(A) and (I), with proposals due August 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The Commission may award contracts to multiple qualified consultants for the same docket.

Mandatory minimum qualifications include independence as defined in statute, willingness to abide by ex parte laws under South Carolina Code Chapter 3, Title 58, availability for public interviews and potential depositions or testimony, and ability to respond to discovery requests. All offerors must be registered as South Carolina vendors; nonresidents conducting business in South Carolina are subject to a 2% withholding requirement on payments unless exempt under specific conditions. Offerors must provide a Nonresident Taxpayer Registration Affidavit if applicable.

The scope encompasses evaluation of avoided cost rates, methodologies, terms, calculations, and conditions for the proceeding. Offerors must submit one complete proposal in separate bound volumes containing both technical and business proposals. Pricing shall include an hourly rate for services related to the Duke Energy Progress avoided cost proceeding, along with any other applicable pricing rates or fees. Contractors are eligible for reimbursement of actual lodging expenses up to current U.S. General Services Administration maximum rates and meal expenses not exceeding $35 per day within South Carolina or $50 per day for travel outside the state, subject to written approval for exceptions.

The estimated contract period runs from November 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027, with the specific award date to be determined by the Commissioners. Award will be based on qualifications and performance data, employee and staff expertise, interview performance, written conflicts of interest certification, pricing, and any other factors the Commissioners deem relevant. Questions are due July 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Public opening of proposals will occur August 13, 2026 at a Regularly Scheduled Commission Business Meeting beginning at 1:00 p.m.