Kent County Council, trading as LASER, has opened preliminary market engagement for an open framework for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs). The proposed framework has an estimated value of £1.5 billion including VAT and is intended to cover in-front-of-the-meter electricity procurement, including physical and virtual PPA structures, existing and new-build assets, different technologies, and generation capacity from sub-5MW through to more than 50MW.
This is a major opportunity for renewable generators, asset owners, developers, CPPA intermediaries and energy specialists able to help public sector bodies secure long-term renewable electricity arrangements. If you are considering engaging with the opportunity, contact Thornton & Lowe for a practical review of your fit and bid strategy.
Why This Framework Matters
Corporate PPAs give public sector organisations a structured route to buy renewable electricity directly from generation assets or through specialist CPPA arrangements. For buyers, this can support carbon reduction, price certainty and long-term energy strategy. For suppliers, the framework offers a compliant route into a broad public sector market, with an anticipated term from November 2026 to October 2034 and a possible extension to October 2035.
The notice identifies an open framework, which is important. Under the Procurement Act 2023, open frameworks can allow new suppliers to be admitted at defined points during the life of the framework. That makes the opportunity relevant not only to established renewable energy businesses, but also to growing providers with credible projects, assets or intermediary capability.
Who Should Pay Attention
- Renewable generators and asset owners with operational or planned renewable electricity assets.
- Developers bringing forward new-build renewable generation capacity.
- CPPA intermediaries and advisors able to structure, broker or manage compliant PPA arrangements.
- Energy specialists with experience in public sector procurement, contracting and reporting requirements.
Bidding Considerations
- Clarify your commercial model. The notice references different contract structures, including physical and virtual arrangements. Your offer needs to be clear, practical and easy for public sector buyers to evaluate.
- Evidence asset credibility. Existing, new-build and different technology assets are in scope. Buyers will want confidence in generation capacity, delivery timelines, grid position, risk allocation and long-term reliability.
- Address public sector governance. CPPAs can involve complex pricing, accounting, reporting and risk considerations. Explain how your model supports transparency, value for money and contract management.
- Engage now on accessibility. LASER specifically asks for views on accessibility to submit and join the open framework, so suppliers should use the engagement stage to raise practical barriers and market feedback.
Quick Facts
- Authority: Kent County Council t/a LASER
- Estimated value: £1,500,000,000 including VAT
- Stage: Preliminary market engagement
- Framework type: Open framework
- Expected term: 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2034, with possible extension to 31 October 2035
- Scope: Corporate Power Purchase Agreements for in-front-of-the-meter electricity
Key Dates
- Engagement deadline: 9 July 2026
- Estimated tender notice date: 27 July 2026
- Notice: Find a Tender - 058007-2026
For renewable energy organisations serious about public sector growth, this CPPA framework is a high-value route to monitor closely. Contact Thornton & Lowe for support with engagement, opportunity qualification and future tender preparation.
