Auctions

The Standard Choice Offer (SCO) auction occurs annually as a result of the Amended Joint Motion and Amended Stipulation and PUCO Order filed in Case No. 12-2637-GA-EXM.

We’re here to help you navigate the Auction process. For a general overview of SCO Auction Rules and Requirements, please review the Auction Overview. The Amended Revised Program Outline and Tariffs contains additional detailed information regarding the auction and should also be reviewed.

The 2024-2025 historical auction information regarding tranche size, security requirements, starting bid price, etc. can be found in our Historical Auction Program Information.

For specific questions regarding the SCO Auction, please contact our Choice team or contact:

Sylvia Sapp

Team Leader, Choice

1-614-398-8622
scsapp@nisource.com

Qualification Requirements

Potential Bidders

You must be certified by the PUCO in order to participate in the SCO Auction. Once you're certified by the PUCO, you must submit the following information according to the timeline below to complete the initial credit evaluation:

Submit the following documents electronically to transportevaluations@nisource.com

• Executed Confidentiality Agreement
• Registration Application (even if already a Choice Supplier)
• $50 credit evaluation fee

For existing COH SCO/Choice suppliers the credit evaluation fee will be offset against your COH Supplier payment.

For new suppliers, or those active in other Columbia LDC’s, contact transportevaluations@nisource.com for instructions to wire the registration fee.

Once the initial credit evaluation has been completed, you will receive an email with the required financial security. Submit the following items to transportevaluations@nisource.com:

• Completed Bidder Registration Form
• Required financial security

Credit Worthiness Determination

The SCO credit review process consists of three phases: prequalification of potential bidders, applicant's security requirements and collateral requirements for successful SCO bidders. Review our detailed description of the credit process.

Here are the standard credit forms we accept:

• SCO Default Fee Letter of Credit Form
• Guaranty Form
• Letter of Credit Form

Submit documents electronically to transportevaluations@nisource.com.

Successful Bidders

Once the PUCO has approved the auction outcome, the winning bidders have one week to provide the following:

• SCO Supplier Agreement
• $250 Registration fee (new Suppliers only - instructions for payment will be included in the email)

You must review our SCO supplier training (toward the bottom of the page) and attend a required touch point call with our Choice, Demand Forecasting, Supply and Capacity, and Nomination Specialists. During the call, team members will provide program updates and answer supplier inquiries.

Required touch point call will be held at 9am EST. February 27, 2025.

By March 1, provide the following:

• Default fee letter of credit to Columbia
• Cash deposit - instructions for payment will be included in email