Wholesale Electric Markets Consulting and Advocacy Services

As a result of a settlement agreement between the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) and a market participant, the New York State Department of State (“DOS”) has been awarded funding for the specific purpose of strengthening the wholesale electric market’s consumer advocacy of its Utility Intervention Unit (“UIU”). Section 94-a (4) of the New York Executive Law describes the UIU’s statutory responsibilities. The UIU has also been designated by the Board of Directors of the New York Independent System Operator (“NYISO”) as the Statewide Consumer Advocate when participating in matters before the NYISO. In this role, the UIU serves as a member of the End-Use Consumer Sector through which issues are discussed and positions are developed among sector members, including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Multiple Intervenors, Consumer Power Advocates, and the City of New York, to advance the interests of end-use consumers. 

The primary purpose of this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is to secure consultancy and advocacy services to assist the UIU in effectively representing the interests of end-use consumers of New York State’s regulated electric markets through active participation in the governance processes of the NYISO. These services would include seeking changes to the design of the NYISO’s markets and rules that would benefit end-use consumers and arguing against proposed changes that would harm end-use consumers. A secondary purpose for procuring the consultancy and advocacy services is to facilitate and bolster the UIU’s participation before the FERC and the New York State Reliability Council (“NYSRC”). Successful Proposers will establish, on behalf of the UIU, a regular presence at the NYISO by participating in working group(s), task force and committee meetings and interacting with other market participants, NYISO staff, and staff of the New York State Department of Public Service (“DPS”), as well as other members of the End-Use Consumer Sector. The Proposer must be able to establish a physical presence at the NYISO in Albany, New York, and develop good working relationships with NYISO personnel.