Hydroelectric Generation Development Partner

Montgomery County is seeking proposals from private hydroelectric generation developers and consultants to develop a new hydroelectric generation facility on the County-owned Norristown Dam, located on the Schuylkill River in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The primary objective is to develop a hydroelectric generation facility with minimal to no capital investment by the County, targeting energy costs competitive with current purchasing methods. Potential development structures include the County leasing the dam to private developers who would finance, build, operate, and maintain the facility, or respondents purchasing the dam with the associated FERC exemption, with the County retaining first rights for energy purchasing. The County has completed feasibility studies in 2017 and 2023, with the latter confirming technical feasibility and improved financial projections. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the Bonfire Portal and should detail the recommended development process, partnership structure, respondent credentials, FERC experience, anticipated timeline, comprehensive cost estimates, and identified benefits to the County. The proposal due date is January 15, 2026, with all questions to be submitted through the Bonfire Portal.

The County encourages proposals from local, small, and diverse business concerns, with providers required to complete certification documentation identifying their business classification. The procurement allows for various partnership models, including direct power generation for the new Justice Center and One Montgomery Plaza through a microgrid or wheeling agreement with PECO, or alternative arrangements such as virtual net metering or renewable energy credits. Feasibility studies have estimated development costs ranging from $19.4 million to $32.4 million, with annual energy production potential between 7.3 and 11.0 megawatt-hours. The County will retain Verdantas as its consultant throughout the FERC exemption process and project development. While current economic modeling suggests the project is not financially viable without significant grant funding or increased energy values, the County remains open to innovative proposals that can demonstrate economic feasibility. The County is not obligated to pursue any proposed outcome if deemed fiscally or organizationally inadvisable, and proprietary information in proposals may be redacted in response to Right to Know requests.