Explanation
This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Utilities to enter into a professional services contract with Eaton Corporation for Distributed Energy Resources Engineering services. Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Engineering Systems & Services group (EESS) will be performing the necessary work.
The Division of Power is seeing a significant increase in the number of applications for Distributed Energy Resource connections to our system, typically solar. By establishing a process to review and approve Distributed Energy Resources into our system, this would reduce greenhouse gases to the environment. In each instance there is a very detailed analysis that is required to ensure that the connection does not negatively impact our system, and by extension our existing customers. The Division of Power does not currently have the expertise to perform this analysis. The goal is to enter into a contract with a subject matter expert who can assist in setting up the process and train current or future employees to perform the work. This will be a General Engineering contract to provide services as needed for the duration of the contract. These services include, but are not limited to, performing System Impact studies on proposed Distributed Energy Resources connections, assist in reviewing applications from customers, assisting in drafting rules and regulations surrounding Distributed Energy Resource connections, and representing Division of Power with customers.
The Department of Public Utilities solicited Competitive Bids for the subject services in accordance with the relevant provisions of Section 329 of City Code (RFQ018548). One (1) bid (1 MAJ) was received and opened on June 1, 2021. Eaton Corporation was deemed to be the lowest, responsive, responsible and best bidder.
The contract is for one (1) year, from the date of execution by the City of Columbus, with the option to renew for two additional years, on a year-to-year...
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