Energy Efficiency Third-Party Solicitations

Background

SDG&E will be announcing Solicitations as directed in the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Decision 16-08-019 (Energy Efficiency Rolling Portfolio), in which a minimum of 60% of energy efficiency programs must be proposed, designed, and implemented by a third-party by 2022. The purpose of the page is to provide information, tools, and resources to potential bidders.

SDG&E Energy Efficiency Solicitation Vision

With Zero Net Energy Readiness as an organizing principle, SDG&E’s vision is to create an energy efficiency portfolio that enables customers to choose the most effective methods of achieving their energy needs.

The Solicitation Process

  1. Stage 1: Request for Abstract (RFA)

    The RFA will enable potential Bidders to provide information regarding itself and its proposed program necessary for SDG&E to narrow down who will proceed to Stage 2, at which time we will issue the RFP. It is not intended that you prepare a detailed Proposal in Stage 1 for your proposed Program. Instead, your submittal of an Abstract should provide enough information about the design, implementation and management of your proposed Program, targeted market and customer segment, and overall program design and goals.

  2. Stage 2: Request for Proposal (“RFP”)

    If a Bidder is successful in the RFA, they will be requested to submit an RFP. In the RFP Stage 2, you will be requested to provide specific details about your RFA Submittal in areas included, but not limited, to:

    Program Overview

    Schedule & Ramp-Up Plan

    Program Design

    Measures

    Program Operations

    CET & Cost Proposal

    Program Compliance

    Supplier Diversity (DBE)

    Experience, References, Staffing

    Sustainability

    Key Performance Indicators

    Safety

    Terms and Conditions

    Hard-to-Reach and Disadvantaged Communities
     

    Bidders who do not advance to the Request for Proposal or Contracting stage will receive a written notification via the PowerAdvocate platform. The notification will contain the high-level reason(s) for the Bidder not advancing to the next stage of the solicitation. Please note that Bidders not advancing are encouraged to participate in any future SDG&E solicitations for which they qualify. 

     

    Independent Evaluator

     

    The CPUC requires SDG&E to use an Independent Evaluator (IE) to evaluate and report on the entire solicitation, evaluation and selection process. The IE will review our implementation of the solicitation process and final selections, as well as make periodic presentations regarding its findings to SDG&E, the PRG (see below) and CPUC Energy Division staff. The intent of these IE presentations is to preserve the independence of the IE by ensuring free and unfettered communication between the IE and the CPUC, as well as an open, fair, and transparent process that the IE can affirm.

    The Energy Efficiency Procurement Review Group

    The Energy Efficiency Procurement Review Group (PRG), a CPUC endorsed entity, is composed of non-market representatives such as ratepayer advocacy groups, state energy and water commissions, power authorities, utility-related labor unions and other non-commercial, energy-related special interest groups. The PRG for SDG&E is charged with overseeing our procurement process, reviewing procedural fairness, examining overall procurement prudence and providing feedback during all stages. SDG&E will brief the PRG on a periodic basis throughout the Solicitation process, from RFA and RFP language development to Abstract and Proposal evaluation to contract negotiation.

    Goals and Requirements

    The table below shows the minimum forecast budgets that need to meet the required third-party definition as stated in D-01-004 and the required dates to meet them:

    Forecasted Minimum of Budget

    Due Date

    25%

    June 30, 2020

    40%

    December 31, 2020

    60%

    December 31, 2022

     
    For this percentage of budget to be accepted, it must follow the new third-party definition as it states in D.08.019 (op) 10:

    For Energy Efficiency Program purposes, the definition of a Third-Party Program shall be as follows: To be designated as “Third-Party,” the Program must be proposed, designed, implemented, and delivered by non-utility personnel under contract to a utility Program Administrator. Statewide programs may also be considered to be “Third-Party” to the extent they meet this definition. Under this definition, Program Administrators are not prohibited from advising Third Parties on program design elements once Third-Party bids have been solicited.

    Current SDG&E Third-Party Program Solicitations

      NA  

    SDG&E Schedule and Timeline

     

    Tools and Resources