Request for Proposals for an Independent Evaluator

PSE plans to issue a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for an Independent Evaluator (“IE”) to support upcoming electric resource RFPs for (i) utility-scale resources, (ii) distributed solar and storage, and (iii) any other RFPs not exempt from Chapter 480-107 WAC. PSE expects to issue a series of electric resource RFPs over the next several years to help meet the company’s resource requirements.

While the specific nature and timing of the RFPs are still being determined, PSE currently expects to issue one RFP for utility-scale resources and one RFP for distributed solar and storage in 2027. Design work for one or both of the RFPs could begin as early as Q1 2027.

Requirement for an Independent Evaluator

The Purchases of Resources Rules, in WAC 480-107-023,  require utilities to engage the services of an IE to assess and report on the solicitation process if: a) the utility, its subsidiary, or affiliate participates in the utility's RFP bidding process; b) the utility intends to retain the option to procure resources that will result in the utility owning or having a purchase option in the resource over its expected useful life; or c) the utility is considering repowering its existing resources to meet its resource need.

The IE is an independent third party, not affiliated with the utility, that provides an assessment of the fairness and reasonableness of the utility’s RFP process, evaluation, selection criteria, and related analyses of all project proposals received in response to an RFP. The IE will contract with and be paid by PSE. PSE will also manage the contract terms with the IE. Pursuant to WAC 480-107-023(2), PSE’s selection of an IE will be subject to approval by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (“WUTC”).

Resource Requirements

PSE’s integrated system planning (“ISP”) process evaluates and establishes the Company’s clean energy and capacity requirements. The 2027 ISP analysis in progress currently estimates that PSE will need to acquire 2.9 million MWh of renewable or non-emitting energy to be able to serve 80% of customer requirements with CETA-compliant energy in 2030. The 2027 ISP analysis in progress also currently estimates a winter peak capacity deficit of ~1,500 MW by 2030. See PSE’s July 27,2026 Summer Public Webinar, Integrated System Planning: What We’ve Learned So Far, for more information about PSE’s currently estimated resource requirements.  

To meet these resource requirements, PSE expects to be engaged in a series of RFPs in the coming years. This RFP seeks to engage the services of an IE for the 2027 electric resource RFPs and potentially for additional electric resource RFPs through 2030.