Request for Proposals: 2026 Clean Energy and Reliability RFP

Due by September 25, 2026 by 5:00 PM (PST)

Questions Due: September 18, 2026

Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) through this 2026 Clean Energy and Reliability Request for Proposals (RFP) intends to make progress towards meeting their respective goals related to Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), greenhouse gas emission reductions and reliability requirements by contracting with new or existing renewable energy generating facilities, which may be paired with energy storage, and standalone energy storage. For most product categories, conforming offers will have a delivery term between three (3) and twenty (20) years. PPA start dates must be no later than December 31, 2035, with a preference for projects with a Commercial Online Date (COD) prior to 2030. 

The 3CE 2026 RFP seeks offers from the following product categories: 

  1. Renewable Generation Only Contracts: RPS-eligible generation from solar, wind, geothermal, or any other PCC1 generating resource.
  2. Renewable Generation Plus Storage Contracts: RPS-eligible generation paired with storage projects. The storage duration must be at least 4 hours, and the storage contract capacity cannot exceed 120% of the guaranteed generating capacity. 3CE is interested in all storage technologies, including alternative technologies that support 3CE’s innovation goals (See Appendix A – Definitions in the RFP Protocol for more details).
  3. Standalone Storage Contracts: Standalone storage projects with a duration of at least 4 hours. 3CE is interested in all storage technologies, including alternative technologies that support 3CE’s innovation goals (See Appendix A – Definitions in the RFP Protocol for more details). Standalone storage projects may be offered as a physical or financial settlement. 
  4. RA Only Contracts: RA Only projects from storage, thermals, or other qualifying resources. Resources supplying RA must be certified with the CAISO as Resource Adequacy Resources. 
    • Import RA Contracts: 3CE is also accepting offers for imported RA, with the Respondent required to be the importer of record.
  5. Carbon-Free or Low-Carbon Generation Contracts: carbon-free or low-carbon eligible projects, such as from large hydroelectric, hydrogen, carbon capture systems, thermal plus storage, or any other eligible projects, that produce zero or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 

Projects will be evaluated on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors that include economic value, development risk, workforce development, environmental stewardship, benefits to underserved communities, and project location. 

View RFP Website

RFP Schedule

Step Dates
RFP Opens August 17, 2026
Respondent webinar to discuss RFP process September 16, 2026 – 1:00PM Pacific Time
Deadline to submit questions. September 18, 2026 – 11:59PM Pacific Time
Q&A document posted to website September 23, 2026
Deadline to submit RFP Proposals September 25, 2026, by 5:00pm Pacific Time
QAQC of received bids Early October, 2026
Respondents notified of shortlist status Early November, 2026
PPA and ESA negotiations and award November 2026-February 2027