BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) RFP
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to procure and install two (2) separate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at distinct locations within REC's service territory. Each system will have the capability to discharge approximately four (4) MW for a duration of four (4) hours and will be interconnected to a substation.
REC proposes the installation of BESS at strategically selected substations to enhance grid reliability, resilience, and affordability for our member-owners. These systems will provide Peak Shaving capabilities during periods of high demand, reduce transmission/substation transformer/distribution loading, and deliver islanding capabilities during outages. By lowering wholesale demand charges incurred through REC’s wholesale energy supplier, the projects will continue to help reduce operating costs while supporting member affordability. These installation builds upon REC’s proven experience with energy storage technology while aligning with seven broader state and regional energy goals of modernizing infrastructure and integrating advanced grid solutions.
Please submit any questions regarding this RFP or process to bessrfpsubcomm@myrec.coop
Request For Proposal Resources
Once the Intent to Propose form is verified and the NDA completed, all eligible parties will receive the full version of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) RFP.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) RFP Announcements:
Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Intent to Propose Form Published |
July 10, 2026 |
| Deadline for Intent to Propose Form Submission *5:00pm EDT |
July 22, 2026 |
| NDA Completed *5:00pm EDT |
July 24, 2026 |
| Release of RFP to Interested Vendors *Upon NDA Completion |
July 27, 2026 |
| Bidder's Conference *11:00am EDT |
August 3, 2026 |
| Deadline for Questions Related to RFP *5:00pm EDT |
August 7, 2026 |
| REC Responses to Questions Provided |
August 14, 2026 |
| Deadline for Proposal Submissions *5:00pm EDT |
August 24, 2026 |
| Evaluation of Proposals |
August 24, 2026 - September 18, 2026 |
| Invitations Issued to Finalists to Interview |
September 21, 2026 |
| Interview of Finalists |
October 5, 2026 - October 9, 2026 |
| Evaluation of Finalist Proposals |
October 9, 2026 - October 30, 2026 |
| Project Award Announced |
October 30, 2026 |
| Finalization and Acceptance |
October 30, 2026 - December 1, 2026 |
*Timeline subject to change.