#United States #Energy Solutions #nursery #RFP #South Texas Electric Cooperative

South Texas Electric Cooperative Seeks Long-Term Energy Solutions

In a significant move to bolster its capacity and energy resources, South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (STEC) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at securing long-term generating capabilities. The cooperative is seeking up to 500 megawatts (MW) of firm, dispatchable capacity, and associated energy. The announcement was made on July 14, 2025, emphasizing STEC's commitment to meet the energy needs of its member cooperatives well into the future.

Background of the RFP

STEC was established in 1944 to provide reliable wholesale electric power to its member cooperatives. Today, the cooperative serves nine electric distribution entities across South Texas, including Karnes Electric Cooperative and Victoria Electric Cooperative. Together, these cooperatives cater to over 340,000 members across 47 counties. As energy demands continue to grow, STEC is taking proactive steps to ensure a stable and efficient power supply for its members.

The RFP invites bids for acquiring dispatchable generation facilities that may be in various stages of development, construction, or operation. Ideally, STEC is looking to finalize agreements for facilities that are either operational or expected to begin commercial operation no later than December 1, 2028.

Proposal Requirements

The RFP is open to all technologies and fuel types for generation facilities. Proposals may include partnerships under multiple transaction structures, including Purchase and Sale Agreements. However, for currently non-operational facilities, STEC prefers to engage in agreements that allow acquisition upon commencement of commercial operation. This flexibility in approach ensures that a wide array of capable firms can contribute to this initiative.

For Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), STEC is focused on proposals that will allow delivery of dispatchable power starting no earlier than June 1, 2027, and no later than December 1, 2028. While outlining the expectations for the agreements, STEC will evaluate various contract structures, including all-in PPAs and tolling agreements.

Key Dates

Companies interested in responding to the RFP are required to submit a Notice of Intent to Respond by August 6, 2025, with the initial bids due by September 10, 2025. This timeline indicates the cooperative's urgency in expanding its energy portfolio and ensuring reliability for its member cooperatives in the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Advantages of Participation

Participating in this RFP provides an excellent opportunity for generators and energy providers to align with a trusted cooperative while contributing to Texas's energy future. As the energy market transitions towards more sustainable and efficient solutions, firms selected through this RFP will play a crucial role in shaping the region's energy roadmap.

Conclusion

As STEC actively seeks to meet the energy challenges of tomorrow, the RFP serves as an open invitation for energy producers and developers to collaborate. With a clear focus on acquiring firm, dispatchable generation capacity, South Texas Electric Cooperative is poised to enhance its service reliability and efficiency while supporting the ongoing energy needs of its diverse member cooperatives.

To gather more information regarding the RFP, interested parties can visit www.STECFIRMRFP2025.com. For direct inquiries regarding the proposals, stakeholders are encouraged to reach out via e-mail to the designated contact address.