Category Archives: DEEP

March 14, 2018 Dinner meeting with Jack Betkoski, III and Tracy Babbidge

WRAP UP: CPES Dinner Meeting

Speakers:  PURA Vice-Chairman and President of NARUC, Jack Betkoski, III; Tracy Babbidge, Bureau Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy

Moderated by: Kate Boucher, Associate at Locke Lord LLP, Member of CPES’ New Energy Professionals Group

On Wednesday, March 14th, CPES hosted Jack Betkoski III, PURA Vice-Chairman and President of NARUC and Tracy Babbidge, Bureau Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy for a dinner discussion on what’s happening and in the pipeline for 2018 at DEEP and PURA. 

DEEP Bureau Chief Babbidge started the discussion with an overview of DEEP’s 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy released in February and its eight main themes.  She noted the challenge in writing the CES to balance the document’s strategic and comprehensive goals while writing for an audience ranging from experts to lay readers.

PURA Vice-Chairman Betkoski followed, speaking on PURA’s focus areas for the year, such as a grid modernization, the ramifications of federal tax reform for the state’s utilities, and best practices for electrical suppliers. He also discussed the new statewide water plan, submitted February 1st to the legislature for review, which outlines water policy in Connecticut for the next 50 years and his work with NARUC nationally on the water-energy nexus. 

The speakers fielded questions from moderator Kate Boucher and attendees on a range of topics, from the role of climate policy in future editions of the CES, the state’s electric-vehicle deployment strategy, and position on fuel cells, to siting of renewable energy projects and water plan implementation. Throughout the night, both speakers emphasized the collaborative relationship between DEEP and PURA and the positive synergies that have come out of the 2011 consolidation of the state’s energy policy, environmental, and public-utility functions into one agency. 

When asked to identify the state’s biggest challenges in 2018, Bureau Chief Babbage noted the complexities of progressing on DEEP’s priorities in the uncertainty that comes with an election cycle.  Vice-Chairman Betkoski identified the state’s ongoing budget problems and personnel turnover as overarching challenges for PURA.

RTO Insider’s Article “Conn. Officials Talk State Policy, Wider Trends”

To read the newly released 2018 CES, click here.

CPES NEP Series: Connecticut Siting Council 101

WRAP UP:

On Tuesday March 20, 2018 the Connecticut Power and Energy Society’s New Energy Professionals (NEP) Committee held its third 101 Series event, this time highlighting the role of the Connecticut Siting Council. Following up on the NEP’s earlier PURA and Legislative 101s, the Siting Council 101 event aimed to provide attendees with an introduction to the day-to-day operations of the Connecticut Siting Council, from a panel of Council Members and staff.  

Siting Council Executive Director Melanie Bachman led the panel with a general overview of the role of the Siting Council, its responsibilities and the various types of applications that come before the Council and the many challenges associated with siting certain projects. Supervising Siting Analysis Christina Walsh followed with a discussion regarding the technical aspects involved in preparing, submitting and analyzing an application before the Council and noted some of the particular details the Council often examines when reviewing applications. Council members Larry Lévesque and Robert Hannon both provided insights into each respective role on the Council and discussed how they bring unique perspectives to the overall Council review process. The panelists followed-up with a robust Q&A, further discussing common application pitfalls, the need to proactively engage the community and the ex-parte rules associated with Council review.

When: March 20, 2018 (Tuesday) Morning Meeting, 9:00am-11:00am
Where: PURA, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT
Register Now!  Limited seating available.

Melanie Bachman: Melanie has been Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) Executive Director since May 2013, and CSC Staff Attorney since October 2008.  She is also a Member of the CPES Advisory Committee.  She was at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, Regionalized Infractions Adjudications from 2006-2008; Land Use and Real Estate Associate 2005-2008, Adjunct Faculty Legal Studies at Naugatuck Valley Community College 2005-2008.  She received her JD from UCONN Law (Environmental Law focus) and her BS in Business Management from Fordham University.

Christina Walsh: Christina has been Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) Supervising Siting Analyst since 2010, and employed by CSC since 2000.  She has a MS in Environmental Science from the University of New Haven, BS in Environmental Science from Marist College, and is the CSC designee for the Blue Plan Advisory Committee.

Bob Hannon: Bob is currently serving as a member on the Wetlands and Conservation Commission in Farmington, CT and has been actively employed at the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection since August 1993.  He has been a member of the Connecticut Bar since 1991.  Previous experience includes being President of an Atlanta, GA contract packaging company; Assistant Town Clerk in Berlin, CT; Community Development Planner with the Midstate Regional Planning Agency; Town Planner in Woodbury, CT; Senior Principal Planner in Manchester, CT; and having served on the Town of Farming Charter Revision commission.

Larry Levesque: Larry is an Attorney and Administrative Hearing Officer at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.  He previously was an Attorney in private practice, litigation, administrative proceedings and transactions representing municipalities, developers, businesses, and engineering firms.  He also served in the Hartford Corporation Counsel’s Office; was Research Associate to Land-Use Professor, UConn Law School.  He has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from University of Illinois; a B.A. in Economics.  He is past Chairman of Planning Commission, New Britain; and former member of New Britain Board of
Finance.

CPES Policy Committee Update: January 23, 2017

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by the CPES New Energy Professionals Team. 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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • Operational Fuel-Security Analysis Released
  • U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in Allco v. Klee
  • Update on the Economic Stability of Millstone
  • CT Legislative Session will convene on Wednesday, February 7th
  • PURA Dockets released in January

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

OPERATIONAL FUEL-SECURITY ANALYSIS RELEASED
On January 17th, ISO New England released its Operational Fuel-Security Analysis, a study assessing whether possible future resource combinations have enough fuel to ensure bulk power system reliability throughout an entire winter. The results indicate that maintaining reliability is likely to become more challenging, especially if current power system trends continue. Read the press release, and find more information on the ISO New England website.

ALLCO V.KLEE
The U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in Allco v. Klee. In June 2017, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s dismissal. It concluded that Connecticut’s renewable energy procurement program was not preempted by the Federal Power Act and the state’s rule that the state’s RPS program did not violate the dormant Commerce Clause. The opinion is particularly significant because it is the first federal court decision to discuss the scope of the Supreme Court’s 2016 Hughes decision. The Second Circuit’s interpretation of Hughes will inform district courts that are weighing motions to dismiss claims about zero emission credits (ZECs) for nuclear plants. Click here to view the procedural overview courtesy of the State Power Project.  

CONNECTICUT

UPDATE ON THE ECONOMIC STABILITY OF MILLSTONE
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) have released a revised draft report in Docket No. 17-07-32: DEEP and PURA Joint Proceeding to Implement the Governor’s Executive Order Number 59. The joint proceeding is tasked with reviewing the economic stability of the Millstone nuclear generating station in Waterford, Connecticut.  The most recent draft report reverses previous conclusions reached by PURA/DEEP regarding Millstone’s retirement risk and supports implementing a multi-tiered solicitation to procure energy from nuclear power facilities such as Millstone. DEEP/PURA have requested comments on the revised draft report which are due this Thursday, January 25, 2018. The notice and draft report are available here: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/All/E08A9CCEF25C28FB8525821D0055E28F?OpenDocument

2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The 2018 Regular Session of the Connecticut General Assembly convenes on February 7, 2018.  Information about the Energy and Technology Committee is available here.

RECENTLY RELEASED PURA DOCKETS
On January 16, 2018, PURA established the following docket: Docket No. 18-01-31:  2017 Report to the Legislature – Electric Supplier Report 

On January 11, 2018, PURA established the following dockets:
Docket No. 18-01-29:  Annual Report to the Legislature – The State of Electric Competition 
Docket No. 18-01-28:  2018 Report to the General Assembly Regarding the Connecticut Electric Efficiency Partners Program 

On January 3, 2018, PURA established the following docket: Docket No. 18-01-15:  PURA Review of Rate Adjustments Related to the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 

CPES Policy Committee Update: December 5, 2017

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by the CPES New Energy Professionals Team. 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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • ISO New England Releases Its 2017/2018 Winter Outlook
  • Dominion Submits Confidential Financial Data

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Releases Its 2017/2018 Winter Outlook
On November 30, ISO New England issued its winter outlook press release, noting that the “New England power system is expected to have the resources needed to meet consumer demand for electricity this winter.” However, the ISO also cautions that “power system operations could become challenging if demand is higher than projected, if the region loses a large generator or electricity import facility, or when natural gas pipeline constraints limit the fuel available to natural-gas-fired power plants. In those instances, the ISO could be required to implement special operating procedures to maintain reliability.”

The ISO forecasts peak demand, assuming normal winter temperatures of about 7 degrees Fahrenheit, of 21,197 MW. However, that demand could grow to 21,895 MW if extreme winter weather of 2°F occurs. For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

CONNECTICUT

Dominion Submits Confidential Financial Data
Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut, Inc. has submitted confidential financial data regarding its Millstone Power Station in response to data requests previously issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The requests were issued as part of the DEEP and PURA Joint Proceeding to Implement the Governor’s Executive Order Number 59. The joint proceeding is examining the financial viability of the Millstone Power Station and exploring the potential for state-sponsored price support. A draft report is due from DEEP/PURA December 19, 2017.

CPES Policy Committee Update: November 13

This update features policy, regulatory, legislative, and regional developments in Connecticut and New England. The policy updates are compiled by the CPES New Energy Professionals Team. 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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update: 

  • DEEP intends to solicit offshore wind, fuel cells and anaerobic digestors
  • Gov. Malloy Signs Millstone Bill and Encourages Dominion’s Participation

CONNECTICUT

CT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
On November 8, 2017 the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a Notice of Proceeding indicating DEEP intends to issue a draft Request for Proposals by December 15, 2017 pursuant to Section 8 of Public Act 13-303, as amended by Public Act 17-144. Under the RFP, DEEP intends to solicit offshore wind, fuel cells and anaerobic digestors. The Notice is available here.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Gov. Malloy Signs Millstone Bill and Encourages Dominion’s Participation. View the Governor’s Press Release, Letter from the Commissioner’s of DEEP and PURA and the Preliminary Progress Report from LAI.