A request for proposal (RFP) to supply generator fuel for the American Samoa Power Authority has provided some specific details of the amount of petroleum products the authority needs for power generation at each power plant in the territory.

Issued June 5, the RFP is for “generator fuel supply” with a closing date to accept proposals set for 2p.m. on July 19. ASPA is seeking a fuel supplier at a time when the authority is moving out of the fuel business.  ASPA had been a fuel supplier for Exxon Mobil Oil since 2008 and the contract expires November this year.

In the “Scope of Work” cited in the RFP package, it provides data on how much fuel ASPA uses for its power generation plants on Tutuila as well as those in the Manu’a island group. According to the RFP, ASPA uses approximately one million gallons of fuel per month – at times this can be closer to 1.2 million; and the RFP warns the bidder “must be prepared to supply within this range and understand ASPA reserves the right to divide supply between two suppliers to ensure competition in the market.”

And if ASPA does decide to divide the fuel supply, the RFP says 55% will be awarded to the winning bidder and 45% offered to the next best bidder who “agrees” to match the terms of the winning offer.

The RFP goes on to state that ASPA requires approximately 500,000 to 600,000 gallons of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) delivered to the Satala Power Plant on a monthly basis. Additionally, ASPA requires approximately 500,000 to 600,000 gallons of Low Sulfur Diesel (LSD) delivered to the Tafuna Power Plant on a monthly basis.

For the Manu’a island group, the RFP says ASPA requires approximately 200,000 gallons of LSD delivered to the Fuel Dock Facilities on a monthly basis. The supply is facilitated via the MV Sili or alternative provided by the American Samoa Government and this supply is for the Manu’a islands.

The RFP also provides background information, such as that American Samoa is predominantly reliant on diesel power as of the date of this RFP. However, in April of last year, ASPA commissioned its 1.75MW (or megawatts) capacity of ground mounted Photovoltaic solar panels connected to the grid as a critical step to supplement and reduce its reliance on diesel. (The photovoltaic is located at the airport area).

According to ASPA, it is currently testing its waste heat recovery project and has installed 12 anemometers throughout the island. In addition to its efforts in reducing its reliance on one source, it is also pursuing conservation and energy efficiency measures on its transmission and distribution lines.

The RFP states that ASPA generates electricity to serve a population of 56,000 in five remote islands. Additionally, various small-scale industries and residential services on Tutuila use 98% of all electricity generated.

Other remote islands including Aunu’u, Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega have their own small diesel generator plants. The RFP also noted the 2009 tsunami that destroy the Satala power plant resulted in a loss of 23MW of diesel generation capacity or approximately 60% of ASPA’s generation capacity on Tutuila.

ASPA is currently working to construct, purchase, install, test, commission, operate and maintain a new replacement of the 23MW power plant at Satala.