Non Pipe Alternatives

Maintaining Reliable and Affordable Energy Choices for Customers 

Non-Pipe Alternatives (“NPA”) utilize third-party solutions to defer or avoid certain traditional natural gas capital projects (i.e., “pipes”) that are needed to address natural gas system reliability needs. We are committed to considering NPA solutions as substitutes for traditional gas capital projects where and when they are appropriate and cost-effective. 

Strategy

We seek to implement a portfolio of NPA solutions which are cost-effective for customers, provide reliable alternatives to traditional natural gas capital projects, and reflect full cost recovery and earnings opportunities for our Companies, while we comply with regulatory directives, state environmental policy, and learn from working cooperatively with other utilities and stakeholders. NPA solutions are innovative and include, but are not limited to, gas energy efficiency improvements, gas demand response programs, beneficial electrification (which may include a variety of heat pump technologies as well as other solutions), or the introduction of additional natural gas equivalent supply (in various forms of energy).  

Project Selection and Process

As available technologies, regulatory requirements and state environmental policies mature, we will review identified natural gas system reliability needs and the traditional natural gas capital projects for opportunities to defer or avoid spending on those projects through NPA solutions. NPA resources needed for large-scale projects (i.e., those projects which are projected to cost more than $2M) will be procured through a competitive solicitation process and evaluated using an accepted benefit-cost analysis framework which utilizes a Societal Cost Test.  Small-scale projects (i.e., those that are $2M or less) may be procured using a streamlined procurement and benefit cost analysis process in order to shorten the project timeline.

Project Opportunities

Pavilion System NPA RFP

RG&E’s Pavilion System is generally located southerly of the City of Rochester and is supplied by six (6) Point of Delivery (POD) stations, all connected to a single interstate pipeline. This pipeline is fully subscribed, creating a constrained supply environment for the Pavilion service area, which serves potions of Livingston and Ontario Counties, including Avon, Lima, and Livonia. The East Avon POD, an essential delivery point within the system, has experienced recurring capacity limitations. These constraints have become increasingly evident during peak winter demand periods. To preserve system reliability and meet delivery obligations for the Avon, Livonia and Lakeville communities, RG&E must either reduce demand or introduce up to 100 MCFH of additional supply into the system.

As of October 30, 2025, RG&E has issued the Pavilion System Non-Pipe Alternative (“NPA”) Project Request for Proposal (“RFP”) for resources to avoid the need for the construction of the planned Pavilion System Semi-Permanent LNG Tap by reducing existing natural gas usage in the area served by the East Avon POD. RG&E is encouraging the development and proposal of potential NPA solutions that reduce natural gas demand and/or provide system relief, through a wide market audience, seeking the best and most innovative responses to this RFP to accomplish these objectives. RG&E will evaluate the results of this RFP to select cost-effective solution(s) that would meet the identified need, either individually or collectively.

The proposed NPA solution(s) must address RG&E’s responsibility to provide safe and reliable service at reasonable costs and in an environmentally sound manner.

To indicate your desire to participate in this RFP opportunity, please respond via email to NPA@avangrid.com at your earliest convenience, referencing Pavilion RFP. Upon RG&E’s receipt of a respondent’s interest, RG&E will provide the respondent with details regarding the RFP pre-bid teleconference, which is scheduled for November 12, 2025

RFP responses will be due on January 28, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
 

RFP Documents

• RGE Pavilion System NPA RFP Letter of Intent
• RGE Pavilion System NPA RFP
• Attachment A – Definitions
• Attachment B – Customer Counts by Street
• Attachment C – Confidentiality Agreement
• Attachment D – Pavilion Bidder Response Template
• Attachment E – Annex 2 Energy Sector Supply Chain Risk Questionnaire
• Attachment F – Data Security Rider

 

Current Projects

There are no current projects at this time.

Associated Documents

• Petition for Approval of Non-Pipe Alternatives
• One Commissioner Order Approving Petition for Non-Pipe Alternative Projects, with Modifications

Additional Questions?

Contact us at NPA@avangrid.com.