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
Below is a summary document of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) RFP.
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 | Closing Dates |
| Intent to Propose Form Submitted |
July 2, 2026 - July 20, 2026 |
| NDA Completed |
July 2, 2026 - July 20, 2026 |
| Release of RFP to Interested Vendors *Upon NDA Completion |
July 20, 2026 - August 17, 2026 |
| Bidder's Conference |
July 27, 2026 |
| Deadline for Questions Related to RFP |
July 27, 2026 - July 31, 2026 |
| REC Responses to Questions Provided |
August 3, 2026 - August 7, 2026 |
| Deadline for Proposal Responses |
August 7, 2026 |
| Evaluation of Proposals |
August 17, 2026 - September 11, 2026 |
| Invitations Issued to Finalists to Interview |
September 14, 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.