Monthly Archives: June 2016

CPES Policy Committee Update: June 28, 2016

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by a team recently formed with support from CPES, known as the New Energy Professionals. If you are interested in learning more about the New Energy Professionals, the Policy Committee, or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we would welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Paul Brady, CPES Executive Director, via email: pbrady@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • Connecticut Legislation – Acts Affecting Energy Posted
  • Low Usage and Wholesale Prices in May
  • Development of the Next Solar Incentive in Neighboring Massachusetts

 

Connecticut Legislation

The Office of Legislative Research has published its summary of the 2016 Acts Affecting Energy & Utilities, which is available at the following link.

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

May’s Electricity Usage and Average Prices for Natural Gas and Wholesale Power Were Among the Lowest Since 2003

New England’s total demand for electricity during May added up to the sixth-lowest energy consumption for any month in the last 16 years, and the price of natural gas was the fifth-lowest of any month since 2003. As a result, the average wholesale power price in May was the third-lowest since March 2003, when New England’s current wholesale electricity markets were launched. Continued mild weather, as well as the region’s growing use of energy-efficiency measures and behind-the-meter solar, are the likely reasons for low energy consumption during the month.

For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

 

Massachusetts – Next Solar Incentive

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is in the process of designing a new solar incentive program pursuant to Chapter 75 of the Acts of 2016 signed into law by Governor Baker on April 11, 2016. DOER is working to create a long-term sustainable solar incentive program to promote cost-effective solar development in the Commonwealth. Written comments will be accepted ending on June 30, 2016 and may be addressed to DOER.SREC@state.ma.us.

 

CPES Policy Committee Update: June 21, 2016

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by a team recently formed with support from CPES, known as the New Energy Professionals. If you are interested in learning more about the New Energy Professionals, the Policy Committee, or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we would welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Paul Brady, CPES Executive Director, via email: pbrady@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Prepares for Summer
  • FERC’s Clark comments on hybrid markets
  • Comments on the 2016 Comprehensive Energy Strategy

 

Connecticut Policy/Regulatory Update: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Scoping comments for the 2016 Comprehensive Energy Strategy were due to be filed with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on June 14, 2016. The comments filed by various stakeholders are now available for review at the following link.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

Beating the Heat: How ISO New England Prepares for Summer Peak Demand

As the region enters the summer season, ISO New England prepares for conditions unique to the hot, humid summer months. Peak demand brought on by warmer weather and an increased reliance on energy-intensive technologies, such as air conditioning, can create complex challenges for the grid operator. According to the ISO’s summer outlook, New England is expected to have adequate electricity supplies to meet consumer demand this summer under normal weather and power system conditions. However, work on Spectra Energy’s Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) natural gas pipeline expansion project may limit delivery of natural gas to some power plants in the region.

To maintain a reliable supply of electricity to New England’s residents and businesses, the ISO’s System Operations team must rely on carefully planned procedures to increase power generation and curb consumption during periods when demand for electricity threatens to exceed available capacity and reserves. High consumer demand or unplanned resource outages—when a transmission line or generator suddenly goes offline—are typically the reasons for these procedures to be enacted.

For more information on how ISO New England prepares for summer peak demand, see the ISO Newswire.

 

FERC’s Clark sees ‘really unsustainable future’ in hybrid markets

BISMARCK, N.D. — Disputes playing out in deregulated states like Illinois and Ohio over proposed subsidies for aging power plants highlight a key challenge facing the electricity industry at a critical juncture in its evolution, said Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner Tony Clark.  “This issue is one that is going to be a huge issue between FERC and the states in those regions of the country that not only have real-time markets, but that have also chosen to restructure their electricity industry,” said Clark, whose term ends at the end of the month.  The former North Dakota utility regulator was back in his home state this week for the Mid-America Regulatory Conference, an association of regulatory commissioners and staff from 14 central states. He was the featured speaker at yesterday morning’s wrap-up session.  Clark said the tension between states and FERC doesn’t affect most central states, where vertically integrated utilities have retail electric rates set by state commissions. But the issue looms large in restructured states where FERC-regulated wholesale markets are relied upon to signal when to invest in or close old power plants or build new ones.

There is an ongoing debate in states including Illinois and Ohio over keeping certain unprofitable coal and nuclear plants running to preserve jobs and taxes and other policy reasons.  Clark said those out-of-market solutions pose a problem: specifically that those states have previously chosen to let the market dictate investment decisions.  “If you have lots and lots of out-of-market constructs that basically negate the price formation that’s happening in the market, you end up with a really, really unsustainable future,” he said.  http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060038896

 

Position Announcement: CPES Executive Director

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT:  CPES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

About CPES

The Connecticut Power & Energy Society (“CPES”) is Connecticut’s leading association of energy professionals, dedicated to generating information, sharing ideas and educating Connecticut about energy.  Our mission is to share the latest insightful and unbiased information about energy in Connecticut and provide a forum for collaboration and networking opportunities.  Our vision is to be Connecticut’s premier resource for energy information and the networking hub for the energy industry.  To learn more about CPES, visit:  www.ctpower.org.

 

Opportunity

CPES is seeking a dynamic, experienced, goal oriented, Executive Director (“ED”) to help grow the membership and visibility of the organization.  The ED will collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan incorporating the vision of the Board and stakeholders, and will formulate and implement practical and achievable steps that will lead to organizational sustainability.  As the executive leader and the “face” of CPES in the extended community, the ED will actively cultivate mission compliant collaborations while enhancing current relationships with stakeholders.

 

Responsibilities

Leadership

  • Collaborate with the Board to develop a multi-year strategic plan, goals and objectives
  • In partnership with the Board, define the strategies and tactics that will advance CPES’ mission and lead the implementation of the same
  • Inspire and motivate a network of supporters to promote and fulfill the mission
  • Support the Board in implementing CPES’ vision and mission and ensuring effective revenue models and communications

Financial & Operations Management

  • In coordination with the Board Treasurer, ensure accurate and effective operational and financial reporting policies and systems, including the development of an annual budget, tracking of monthly expenditures within approved budget, proper monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, and timely and accurate financial reporting at Board meetings
  • In coordination with the Board Secretary, maintain official records and documents
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant legal and fiscal practices (federal, state and local regulations) of a 501(c)(6) non-profit and Connecticut Non-Stock Corporation
  • Ensure the effective usage and maintenance of data and IT systems

Event Management, Communications & Marketing

  • Make timely arrangements for all activities involved in monthly dinner meetings and three annual conferences, including site selection, program development, sponsor/exhibitor solicitations, and support for speakers
  • Be the ‘’face” of CPES in the extended community, cultivating productive and positive relationships with all stakeholders
  • Cultivate relationships with other industry organizations and groups related to the energy field
  • In coordination with Board Committees, oversee creation and implementation of Marketing and Communications plans to effectively promote CPES and its activities across all outlets, including social media channels. Run analytics on web, email and social media traffic to measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts

Board of Directors

  • Work with the Board President to provide leadership to the Board in developing and implementing the vision and mission of the organization utilizing governance best practice models
  • Actively manage and coordinate activities of Board and committees, providing recommendations as necessary and active follow-up
  • Present timely and accurate written status reports to the Board about agreed upon objectives, finances and other relevant issues

 

Qualifications

  • Experience in association management, including nonprofit business administration, financial oversight and controls, and organizational operations
  • Experience in the energy industry a plus
  • Experience collaborating successfully with a Board of Directors and support of best practices in Board governance and leadership
  • Demonstrated success in program evaluation and implementation
  • Experience with website development and maintenance a plus

 

Additional information

This is a contract position.  Contract length is open to negotiation.  Compensation will be commensurate with experience, and applicants are encouraged to propose compensation packages that include performance based incentives.

E-mail your resume and a cover letter to: pbrady@ctpower.org.  Please include proposed contract length and compensation package in cover letter.

 

What’s the Deal with Shared Clean Energy? June 15, 2016 CPES Dinner Meeting

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A diverse panel with different interests in shared clean energy shed light on legislation adopted this session allowing the state to move forward with shared clean energy facilities.

DSC05109Panelists:  Left to Right:

Jamie Howland, Director, Climate and Energy Analysis Center & Director, Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Initiative, Acadia Center

Moderator: Eric Johnson, Director of External Affairs, ISO-New England and CPES Vice President

Katie Scharf Dykes, Deputy Commissioner for Energy at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP)

Roddy Diotalevi, Senior Director – Sales & Marketing at UIL Holdings

Click here for link to download presentations and link to draft DEEP RFP.

CPES Policy Committee Update: June 14, 2016

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by a team recently formed with support from CPES, known as the New Energy Professionals. If you are interested in learning more about the New Energy Professionals, the Policy Committee, or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we would welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Paul Brady, CPES Executive Director, via email: pbrady@ctpower.org.

 

This week’s features:

  • DEEP issues RFP for Shared Clean Energy Facility Pilot Program
  • PURA holds hearings on Eversource and UI rates
  • Governor Malloy signs more energy related bills into law
  • Agenda and speakers announce for upcoming ISO NE’s Consumer Liaison Group Meeting on June 17th

 

Connecticut Policy/Regulatory Update: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) has issued an updated draft RFP for its Shared Clean Energy Facility Pilot Program issued pursuant to Public Act 15-113. The draft RFP intends to solicit offers for Shared Clean Energy Facilities sized from 500 kW and no greater than 2,000 kW to implement the pilot program required under the Act. Additional requirements relate to the experience of the bidder and subscriber structure. Comments are due on the draft RFP by June 20, 2016. DEEP expects to issue a final RFP by July 1, 2016. The draft RFP is available at the following link.

Eversource and UI have their rate adjustment review hearings before PURA on Tuesday, June 14th.  See PURA calendar http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/$FormWebTSPURACalendarView?OpenForm.

 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.

On June 7, 2016, Governor Malloy signed the following legislation of the 2016 Regular Session that may be of interest to our members:

  • S.B. No. 334:  AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO CERTAIN ENERGY PURCHASING POOL AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSES STATUTES.
  • H.B. No. 5510:  AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC AND FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

On June 9, 2016, Governor Malloy signed the following legislation of the 2016 Regular Session that may be of interest to our members:

  • H.B. No. 5496:  AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN VIRTUAL NET METERING FACILITIES.

On June 10, 2016, Governor Malloy signed the following legislation of the 2016 Regular Session that may be of interest to our members:

  • B. No. 366:AN ACT CONCERNING ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONNECTICUT GREEN BANK, THE PRIORITY OF THE BENEFIT ASSESSMENTS LIEN UNDER THE GREEN BANK’S COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROGRAM AND THE GREEN BANK’S SOLAR HOME RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDIT PROGRAM.
  • B. No. 394:  AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORIZATIONS RELATING TO VIRTUAL NET METERING.  

Regional and Industry Developments

New England Consumer Liaison Group Meeting Will Focus on Electricity Security

Registration is still open for the next New England Consumer Liaison Group meeting scheduled for June 17, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough, Massachusetts. The Consumer Liaison Group is a forum for the exchange of information between ISO New England and electricity consumers in New England.

Congressman Jim McGovern will give the keynote address. The topic for the panel discussion will be Electricity Security for Consumers: How Rapidly Changing Technology Deployment Is Altering the Way Consumers Use Electricity and What They Need to Plan for in Terms of Security and Resiliency. Panelists will include:

  • Mukund Ravipaty, Director, Enterprise Security Architecture, National Grid
  • Christine Hallquist, Chief Executive Officer, Vermont Electric Cooperative
  • EnerNOC – TBD

To register for the meeting, please click here. Additional information on the Consumer Liaison Group is available at: http://www.iso-ne.com/committees/industry-collaborations/consumer-liaison.