Gas Cost of Service Study

City of Rocky Mount-Energy Resource
Competitive Request for Quotation (RFQ) - Informal Purchase (Under
$30,000.00)
Gas Cost of Service Study
RFQ Number: 320-2026610
Issue Date: April 8, 2026
Quote Due Date: April 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM
1. Purpose
The City's Gas Utility Division is requesting a formal quote for professional consulting services
to conduct a comprehensive Gas Cost of Service Study (COSS).
The purpose of this engagement is to evaluate the full cost of providing natural gas service and
ensure that rates are fair, equitable, defensible, and aligned with industry best practices and
applicable regulatory standards.
Please provide a quote based strictly on the scope and requirements outlined below.
2. Compliance
All work shall be performed in accordance with applicable state and local procurement
requirements, municipal finance standards, and generally accepted utility ratemaking
principles.
3. Scope of Work / Specifications
At a minimum, the selected consultant shall perform the following:
A. Data Collection and Review
* Review historical financial statements, trial balances, budgets, and capital
improvement plans.
* Evaluate operating and maintenance expenses, administrative and general costs,
debt service, depreciation, and capital structure.
* Analyze customer class data, billing determinants, usage characteristics, and load
profiles.
B. Revenue Requirement Analysis
* Develop a test year (historical, forecasted, or hybrid, as approved by the City).
* Calculate the utility's revenue requirement, including operating expenses,
depreciation, taxes (if applicable), and an appropriate rate of return.

* Evaluate capital structure and cost of capital, with financial analysis prepared or
reviewed by the assigned CFA.
C. Cost Allocation
* Develop and document functionalization, classification, and allocation
methodologies consistent with industry standards (e.g., AGA guidelines where
applicable).
* Allocate costs among customer classes (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial,
interruptible).
* Provide detailed workpapers supporting allocation factors and methodologies.
D. Rate Design
* Evaluate current rate structure and revenue recovery by class.
* Develop alternative rate designs, including fixed and volumetric components,
demand charges (if applicable), and other pricing mechanisms.
* Model bill impacts for representative customers within each class.
* Provide recommendations that promote revenue sufficiency, equity, and rate
stability.
E. Financial Forecasting and Sensitivity Analysis
* Develop multi-year financial projections.
* Perform sensitivity analyses related to load growth, wholesale gas cost volatility,
capital expenditures, and other key assumptions.
F. Reporting and Deliverables
* Provide a draft Cost of Service Study report for staff review.
* Incorporate staff comments and submit a final report suitable for presentation to
City management and the governing board.
* Provide all supporting financial models in editable electronic format.
* Present findings at up to two public meetings or work sessions, if requested.
3. Required Qualification
* Demonstrated experience performing cost of service studies for municipal or
public-sector gas utilities of similar size and complexity.
* A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), in good standing, who will play a
substantive role in financial modeling, revenue requirement development,
and rate design analysis.
4. Deliverables
* Data request list
* Revenue requirement model
* Cost allocation model
* Rate design alternatives with bill impact analysis

* Draft and Final Cost of Service Study Report
* Executive summary suitable for public dissemination
5. Quote Submission Requirements
Please include the following in your response:
* Proposed fee structure (lump sum or not-to-exceed amount)
* Estimated projected timeline
* Identification of the assigned CFA and project team
* Relevant experience performing similar studies for municipal gas utilities
Submit via email to: Fantashia.Dickens@rockymountnc.gov
6. Questions
All questions must be submitted via email to Fantashia.Dickens@rockymountnc.gov prior to the
due date.
7. Schedule
The term of this contract shall be from the date of approval through June 30, 2026.
8. Award
Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible vendor or in the best
interest of the City. The City reserves the right to reject any or all quotes.