Description
The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct a comprehensive study that will identify a replacement electricity‑generation, transmission, storage, and efficiency portfolio to offset the services currently provided by the four Lower Snake River Dams. The work will involve detailed demand forecasting, resource‑portfolio modeling, assessment of regional system‑change impacts, cost and timeline scenario development, and greenhouse‑gas emissions analysis, while also facilitating stakeholder engagement with tribal governments, utilities, and the public. The contractor will deliver interim public workshops, a draft findings session in March 2027, and a final report by April 12 2027, which will be forwarded to the state legislature and governor by June 30 2027.
• Three public stakeholder meetings plus culturally appropriate tribal engagement.
• Demand‑trend and scenario modeling through 2050, including resource‑adequacy and reliability analyses.
• Evaluation of generation, transmission, demand‑response, storage, and efficiency options with cost‑timeline and GHG impact assessments.
• Final deliverables: draft public workshop (March 2027), final technical report (April 12 2027), and legislative briefing (June 30 2027).
• Budget: $710,000 (funded from an $800,000 Climate Commitment Account allocation).
• Minimum qualifications: ≥5 years in power‑system planning, experience with Washington energy policy, and proven stakeholder‑facilitation capability.