Lubbock Power & Light Posts RFP For Default Retail Electric Providers, POLRs

Lubbock Power & Light has posted its RFP to select a default retail electric provider (DREP) for customers not making an affirmative selection prior to the introduction of retail electric choice, and for Providers of Last Resort (POLRs and voluntary POLRs, or VREPs) (RFP# 7113-23-EUA)

As previously reported, LP&L customers will be given an opportunity to select their REP prior to choice starting. Customers who do not make a choice will be assigned to one or more DREPs. DREPs will not acquire any customers via assignment after this initial cutover to choice. Customers without a REP after such cutover will be assigned to a POLR, similar to the process in other ERCOT markets

The issued RFP is substantively similar to a draft considered by the utility's board and Lubbock city council

See our prior story here for full details on the RFOP, including criteria for scoring and awards

Among other questions, the RFP asks respondents to provide:

• A summary of any additional benefits that may be available to LP&L’s ratepayers, the City of Lubbock, and its citizens in connection with selecting the REP to provide POLR services

• Summary of how the REP works with low-income customers and products specifically intended for that group of citizens

• Proposed POLR rate or rate formula for the Lubbock service territory

Scoring will evaluate answers to these and other questions, plus consideration of the REP's community involvement in cities the REP currently serves

The DREP designation shall occur immediately upon approval by both the Electric Utility Board and the City Council of the City of Lubbock. DREPs shall provide services to Lubbock customers as agreed to beginning on the date upon which LP&L’s certificated area is open to retail competition. Once all customers have either selected a REP or been assigned to a DREP at market open, the DREP designation will terminate

The POLR and VREP designations shall be for a term of two (2) years, with the term beginning on the date upon which LP&L’s certificated area is open to retail competition. The applicable designation will automatically renew for additional two-year periods, unless either party provides 120 days’ written notice prior to the end of any two-year term to terminate the designation of the POLR and/or VREP, as applicable.

Lubbock Power & Light will receive written and sealed competitive proposals for, LP&L Retail Electrical Providers for ERCOT POLR, VREP and DREP Services until 2:00 p.m. CT, November 17, 2022

There will be a non-mandatory Zoom pre-proposal conference on October 26, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. CT

The Expected Award Date February 21, 2023

See the RFP at this link: https://www.txsmartbuy.com/esbddetails/view/711323