Task 1: Economic & Environmental Wind Issues Determine whether the Delaware State Energy Office (SEO) has complied with the technical requirements and analyses contemplated in the offshore wind (OSW) Solicitation Requirement Included in Senate Bill 265 or any legislation in effect when the OSW procurement process occurs. Determine whether the solicitation is consistent with greenhouse gas emission reduction targets as outlined by 7 Del. C., §10003, in light of the price and availability of all other renewable or carbon-free alternative energy sources at a similar scale and production profile delivering electricity into Delaware, or states bordering Delaware, within the PJM region. Determine whether proceeding with the solicitation is consistent with goals of the current Delaware Climate Action Plan. Determine whether proceeding with the solicitation is consistent with meeting the minimum percentage of electrical sales with eligible energy resources as required by 26 Del. C. §354(a). Determine whether proceeding with the solicitation will not adversely affect system reliability on the Delmarva Peninsula. Determine whether proceeding with the solicitation will result in rates that are just and reasonable. Determine whether an Offshore Wind Contract negotiated by the SEO is in the public interest, as defined by 26 Del. C. §365(c). Conduct an economic analysis and advise the PSC regarding a Delaware offshore wind project to include rate impacts by customer class, risks (economic, supply chain, permitting, political), conformity with “Offshore Wind Contract”, “Qualified Offshore Wind Project”, “Offshore Wind Solicitation Requirements”, “Delaware Benchmark Price”, as defined by the Delaware Energy Solutions Act (SB 265), the Delaware State Energy Plan, and the Delaware Climate Action Plan, or other regulations and legislation in effect at the time of the OSW solicitation. Analysis of energy markets regarding offshore wind; comparison of Delaware offshore wind contract with similar contracts in other states. Analysis of procurement instruments (OREC vs. PPA) for an offshore wind project. Analysis of procurement strategies, specifically as it relates to the cost of the project: energy only, energy + RECs, workforce development, in-state supply chain/port/manufacturing facilities. Analysis of clean energy alternatives in light of the price and availability of all other renewable or carbon-free alternative energy sources at a similar scale and production profile delivering electricity into Delaware, or states bordering Delaware, within the PJM region. Analysis of an offshore wind impact on Environmental Justice and Energy Equity issues in Delaware. Analysis of the pros and cons of partnering with another state on an offshore wind project. Analysis and recommendation regarding how multiple utilities (DPL, DEC, DEMEC) can participate in an offshore wind project (from a cost allocation and billing perspective) Analysis of whether an industrial exemption should be allowed for costs associated with an offshore wind project. Analysis and recommendation of how an offshore wind project may impact PJM capacity prices and the ability of customers to select an alternate third-party supplier as part of Delaware’s retail choice program. Analysis and recommendation of whether any costs of an offshore wind projects including the costs of ORECs should impact retail choice programs. Analysis and recommendation of how Delaware can establish a transmission Right-of-Way (“ROW”) refund mechanism (similar to the Alaska Permanent Fund) to return ROW revenue to customers who pay for an offshore wind project. Travel to Delaware may be required to attend meetings, workshops and/or commission meetings. Participate in Commission proceedings or working groups by performing activities that may include drafting and providing testimony in Commission dockets, including litigation support when needed; reviewing reports and/or filings and providing advice to the PSC thereon; researching issues, drafting and preparing reports or comments to be presented to the PSC; negotiation support for the PSC in disputes; negotiating with public utilities and other state agencies on behalf of the PSC; consulting with the PSC regarding regulatory strategy; and drafting regulations. Determine if the solicitation and proposal are in compliance with then current regulations. Comply with requirements of then current regulations. Research, review, analyze, provide reports or recommendations or provide other support on issues that occur before or after each solicitation or procurement or outside the docket relating to each solicitation or procurement.
