Eastern Interconnection Grid Planning Authorities Issue Request for Proposals on Gas-Electric Study -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The participating planning authorities of the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative: ISO New England, New York ISO, Ontario's Independent Electric System Operator, Midcontinent ISO, PJM Interconnection, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, are issuing a request for proposals to conduct a Gas-Electric System Interface Study covering their combined footprints. A major initiative, the Gas-Electric System Interface Study will analyze the natural gas infrastructure serving a large portion of the Eastern Interconnection. The study will be funded under an existing U.S. Department of Energy grant. The study, which is to be completed by mid-2015, will develop a baseline of the electric and natural gas systems, including their planning, operation and interactions. In addition, the study will look at the adequacy of the gas system to satisfy generation needs over five and 10-year horizons; identify contingencies on the gas and electric systems that could negatively affect the other; and examine the pros and cons of dual-fuel capability for generation versus expanding gas system infrastructure. The intent to bid notice from interested bidders is due Aug. 9, 2013, and their proposals are due Aug. 30, 2013. Additional instructions and documents are available at: http://www.eipconline.com/RFP_for_Study.html The study results will help improve gas/electric coordination to ensure electric system reliability. About the EIPC Formed under an agreement by over two dozen electric system planning authorities from 40 states in the eastern United States and six provinces in eastern Canada, the EIPC is focused on a "bottom-up" approach, starting with a roll-up of the existing grid expansion plans of electric system planning authorities in the Eastern Interconnection. The EIPC membership includes Alcoa Power Generating, Inc.; American Transmission Company LLC; Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Electric Energy Incorporated; E.ON U.S. LLC , on behalf on its operating companies Louisville Gas & Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company; Entergy Services, Inc. on behalf of the Entergy Corporation Utility Operating Companies; Florida Power & Light Company; Georgia Transmission Corporation (An Electric Membership Corporation); Independent Electricity System Operator ("IESO"); International Transmission Company; ISO New England, Inc.; JEA; Mid-Continent Area Power Pool, by and through its agent, MAPPCOR; Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.; Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia; New York Independent System Operator, Inc.; PJM Interconnection; PowerSouth Energy Cooperative; Duke Progress Energy; Duke Energy Florida, Inc.; South Carolina Electric & Gas Company; South Carolina Public Service Authority; Southern Company Services Inc., as agent for Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company; Southwest Power Pool, Inc.; and the Tennessee Valley Authority. For more information, visit eipconline.com SOURCE Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative RELATED LINKS http://eipconline.com