As previously noted, the IESO is currently developing the Large Renewable Procurement II ("LRP II") process. Consistent with LRP I, the LRP II process will involve two phases: a Request for Qualifications ("LRP II RFQ") and a Request for Proposals.

On July 13, 2016, the IESO hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the LRP II RFQ process and the changes it has introduced following the feedback received on the LRP I RFQ process. The IESO indicated that the LRP II RFQ process is substantively similar to the LRP I RFQ process. Two key topics emerged from the webinar: the introduction of a simplified process for Qualified Applicants ("QAs") and the addition of a procurement target of 50 MW from technological upgrades and optimization of existing renewable facilities.

Simplified Process

The IESO has introduced a simplified process for applicants that were deemed QAs during the LRP I RFQ process. To be eligible for the simplified process, the qualification submission of an applicant must, for each renewable fuel, be the same or less than the aggregate number of MWs and large renewable projects that the applicant qualified for under the LRP I RFQ (less the MWs and number of projects awarded during the LRP process).

Under the simplified process, the applicant must re-evidence its financial capability and must submit the IESO letter from the LRP I RFQ process (which confirmed its status as a QA). The applicant must declare that it continues to meet the LRP I RFQ development experience requirements, but does not have to submit new and current evidence to support such declaration. The applicant must also declare that (i) each LRP I Control Group Member is still a Control Group Member of the applicant and (ii) each LRP I designated team member is still a Designated Team Member. If any changes were made to a Control Group Member (i.e. in connection with a reorganization) or to any designated team members, the applicant will not be eligible for the simplified process.

50 MW of Procurement from Existing Renewable Energy Facilities

As this procurement target was not included in the LRP I process, the IESO is currently determining the types of technology that should be included in the LRP II process. The IESO has circulated questionnaires to the relevant industry groups in order to gain a better understanding of the available technologies and how such technologies could increase the capacity and annual output of an existing project. The IESO is also seeking feedback from appropriate stakeholder and industry groups as to which technologies should be considered for LRP II, the type of contracts that should be awarded, and any other information that may be relevant to this type of procurement process.

Applicants submitting proposals for such projects will not qualify for the simplified process and will have proceed through the standard process. Such applicants will also be required to submit their project's existing power purchase agreement and provide information about each proposed upgrade and optimization (and the corresponding change to output).

Next steps and timeline

The final LRP II RFQ documents will be posted on the IESO website on July 29, 2016 and the LRP II RFQ process will be launched on August 1, 2016. Question and comment periods will be held between August 1 and August 19, 2016. The deadline for Qualification Submissions is September 1, 2016. These dates are subject to change and will be finalized once the final LRP II RFQ documents are available.

The IESO accepted feedback on the LRP II RFQ materials until July 14, 2016 and will post the results on its website on July 29, 2016. However, the IESO indicated during the webinar that it intends to continue to accept feedback after July 14, 2016 (which may be submitted via email to engagement@ieso.ca), provided that it has enough time to review the feedback before July 29, 2016.

The IESO will hold a session on July 21, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 pm, which will focus on the technical aspects of the LRP II. A discussion on the LRP II technological upgrades and optimization will follow from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

For additional information on the upcoming session and the LRP II process, please refer to the following link: http://www.ieso.ca/Pages/Participate/Generation-Procurement/Large-Renewable-Procurement/default.aspx.

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