RFP Documents

Relevant questions and responses related to the New Braunfels Utilities 2026 Request for Proposals for ERCOT Energy from Physical Resources will be posted on this page. 

Yes, as long as they are relevant to the RFP.

Responses to questions will be provided as soon as practical. Response times will vary depending upon the complexity of the question.

The RFP does not specify a single preferred storage duration. Respondents proposing BESS should clearly describe the duration, operating characteristics, and the value the resource provides to NBU’s system. Duration will be considered as part of the overall evaluation, but no single configuration is required.

Standalone BESS may be considered an eligible physical resource if it can be dispatched in accordance with ERCOT requirements and satisfies all applicable RFP criteria, including scheduling, settlement, and credit requirements. NBU will evaluate these resources based on their ability to meet system needs and overall proposal value.

No, a respondent can specify if a BESS will experience degradation over time or if it will be maintained at initial capacity.

Yes

NBU’s modeling will dispatch a call option. Respondents should provide all necessary parameters.

NBU will conduct modeling to assess reliability contributions and the value an offer contributes to that goal. Respondents should provide clear details about their contribution to this aspect.

NBU’s modeling will incorporate all responses into an overall evaluation of the impact of each offer on NBU’s portfolio. No further details will be shared.

As indicated in the RFP, for any offer that includes capacity, NBU would receive any capacity revenues related to the offer, but would bear the risk of accreditation fluctuations. If the offer does NOT include capacity, please indicate it is an “Energy Only PPA” in the Offer Type Field.

The RFP states that NBU prefers 20‑year contract terms; however, longer‑term arrangements may be considered. NBU does not specify a maximum contract length, but terms over 30 years will be viewed less favorably. Respondents proposing terms longer than 20 years should clearly explain the benefits of the extended term, including pricing, risk allocation, and long‑term value to NBU.

NBU does not intend to publish a standard contract or agreement form as part of this RFP. Contract terms will be negotiated with the selected respondent(s) following the evaluation process.

Respondents may submit proposed contract terms or a preferred agreement form for review, including forms that align with standard agreements. Any submitted contract form will be considered for informational purposes only and will not be binding. Final contract terms remain subject to negotiation and NBU’s approval.

All proposals will be treated as competitive and confidential. There will be no public reading of individual proposals. If an NDA is requested, NBU’s standard NDA template may be used.

Yes, NBU would consider contracts starting as early as 2028, and it is also acceptable for a project to have other commercial arrangements prior to 2030.

NBU will look at all proposals, but physically backed power is more favorable.

No. But if a respondent wishes to include such terms, they should clearly describe the terms in supplemental detail.

Not at this time; however, credit risk and completion risk will be evaluated.

The RFP does not specify required credit support amounts for security assurances. Credit requirements at various stages will be evaluated as part of the commercial review and addressed during contract negotiations with the selected respondent(s).

Yes

South Load Zone or South Hub are preffered delivery locations, but not required. The evaluation will include basis assessments.

Bidders can assume for the load component that NBU will remain responsible for these costs. To the extent there are costs assessed to resources, those would be borne by the offeror.

Refer to the RFP document for the evaluation criteria and desired objectives of NBU. Submissions will be evaluated holistically across all aspects that contribute to reliability, economics, and risk.

NBU cannot answer as each specific project may have different attributes; however, as much relevant information as possible to understand the benefits, costs, and risks in any response is encouraged.

Refer to the RFP document for the evaluation criteria. There is no additional detail offered at this time.

Yes, escalators are acceptable and will be considered in the economic evaluation.

Yes. If offers can be separately contracted for, please submit them as distinct offers each with its own Exhibit A. If offers can only be executed as a package, input “Yes” in the Linked With Other Offers field in Exhibit A and enter a linked group name. Enter the same group name for each bundled proposal.

Bidders will be informed at the end of Phase 1 whether they advanced. Those that advanced to Phase 2 but that NBU is not pursuing a contract with will be informed at the end of Phase 2. Bidders seeking feedback on their proposal’s strengths and weaknesses may request a short call (5-10 minutes) with the administrator after the completion of the entire process, including contracting with any selected responses.

NBU has not formally secured a site for this solicitation; however, NBU has identified a potential location that may be available for rapid development of natural gas infrastructure. Respondents may consider this location as part of their proposals but remain responsible for identifying suitable sites, demonstrating site feasibility and land control, and meeting all permitting and interconnection requirements.

NBU has not identified or secured a project site for this solicitation. Respondents should conduct their own due diligence regarding interconnection options, available capacity, fuel supply or resource inputs, and proximity to substations through ERCOT and the applicable transmission provider.

Yes

NBU will consider proposals that include intermittent generation resources. At this time, the RFP primarily contemplates the procurement of energy and/or capacity from single physical resources. While respondents may describe complementary resources within the ERCOT South Hub for informational purposes, NBU does not guarantee that separate, non‑co‑located assets or co-located assets with different structures will be evaluated as a combined offering. Any such structure should clearly articulate commercial terms, operational independence, and how the proposal meets the RFP’s reliability, delivery, and settlement requirements. NBU reserves the right to evaluate each resource independently.

Yes, the project should have site control/plan.

NBU is open to all proposals.

Yes, any type or combination of types that will help meet NBUs needs are welcome.

NBU is open to all proposals.

NBU is interested in any product that helps meet its needs and does not have a predetermined preferred product. NBU is not sharing load information at this time, as it is not using this RFP to meet all future load.

A Build Transfer Agreement should be entered as an Outright Asset Sale.

These types of responses should be entered as Offer Classification = “Contract”; Offer Type = “Capacity and Energy PPA”; and Offer Sub-Type = “Bundled Capacity and Energy Block”, which will remove most of the resource-specific fields. For variable volumes or costs, please enter details in the “Notes” column (column F) for any field necessary. Additional information can be provided, but respondants should submit any additional information in a pdf or a separate Excel file.

One email is preferred, but respondents should ensure each proposal has its own Appendix A file.

Yes

Yes, that is all NBU will need. If the respondent has other information pertinent to its contract, they can also attach that information.

Flexible volumes are not required, but respondents can offer flexible volumes. This information can be included in the notes field in Appendix A or provide supplemental files detailing any flexibility (for resource offers, this is mostly captured in the parameters). There are no lower entity-based limits on volume other than the stated maximum volume in the RFP.

NBU does not have expectations before reviewing offers, but more realible resources will be considered more favorably than less dependable resources.

A “reasonable exception” will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. All requests for withdrawal must be submitted in writing with appropriate supporting documentation (Section 4.5). No legally binding agreement or contract will exist until final negotiations are concluded.

Yes, however, pespondents are expected to make their best effort to reach an executed agreement if negotations commence. No legally binding agreement or contract will exist until final negotiations are concluded.

Yes, however, respondents are expected to make their best effort to continue in the process. No legally binding agreement or contract will exist until final negotiations are concluded.