Category Archives: Energy and Technology Committee

CPES Policy Committee Update: April 17, 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.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Publishes Spring 2017 Update on Regional Transmission Investment
  • On April 7th, PURA Established a New Docket

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Publishes Spring 2017 Update on Regional Transmission Investment

The ISO recently published the March 2017 update to the Regional System Plan (RSP) Project List, which details Pool Transmission Facility (PTF) projects needed to ensure reliability in New England. Since the October 2016 update, 3 projects were cancelled, 24 upgrades were placed in service across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and 27 new projects were added. Additionally, some project cost estimates decreased.

Since 2002, a cumulative total of 714 project components representing an investment of $8.4 billion have been placed into service to help ensure that New England’s transmission system continues to reliably and efficiently move wholesale electricity across the region.

For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKET:

On April 7, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

For information about the 2017 Legislative Session, including bill tracking and a schedule of meetings and events , visit www.cga.ct.gov. /

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.

CPES Policy Committee Update: April 3, 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.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Releases Draft 2017-2026 Load Forecast Showing Energy Usage Declining Slightly and Peak Demand Remaining Flat
  • New England States Committee on Electricity Releases Scenario Analysis Report
  • CT DEEP has issued a revised Request for Proposals
  • The Energy and Technology Committee’s JF deadline was March 23, 2017

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Releases Draft 2017-2026 Load Forecast Showing Energy Usage Declining Slightly and Peak Demand Remaining Flat

Every year, ISO New England develops a projection of how much electricity the region will use and how high demand will peak during each of the next 10 years. The 10-year forecast is a key system planning tool, helping ensure New England has an adequate supply of resources to meet future demand, and a transmission system that can do the job of carrying power to residents and businesses.

The draft long-term forecast for 2017 to 2026 projects that energy usage will decline slightly in New England and peak demand will remain flat over the 10-year period. The primary factors are continuing robust installation of energy-efficiency measures and behind-the-meter solar arrays throughout the region, as well as a slightly lower forecast for economic growth in New England.

For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

New England States Committee on Electricity Releases Scenario Analysis Report

The New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) has released the first portion of a two-phase economic analysis of a variety of hypothetical renewable and clean energy futures in New England. NESCOE characterized the analysis as “one piece of information, together with other studies, data and information produced by [ISO New England], individual states, and market participants that may inform policymakers’ consideration of issues related to New England’s competitive wholesale electric market and hypothetical resource futures.” NESCOE also said that it “welcomes from market participants or others any facts or data that clarify, correct, or should be considered in reviewing the study results.”

For more information, visit the NESCOE website.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) has issued a revised Request for Proposals (“RFP”) regarding  the Shared Clean Energy Facility Pilot Program pursuant to Public Act 15-113. The revised RFP seeks to align the definition of core forest with the responses to questions received. The revised RFP is available here.

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

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

The Energy and Technology Committee’s JF deadline was March 23, 2017.  The list of bills reported out of the Energy and Technology Committee is available at:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=et and additional information about the status of these bills is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/cbr/et.asp

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.

CPES Policy Committee Update: March 19, 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.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Joins with Other Electric Grid Operators to Examine the Impact of Emerging Technologies
  • Connecticut Legislative Update
  • Energy and Technology Committee Meeting to JF bills on March 21st

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Joins with Other Electric Grid Operators to Examine the Impact of Emerging Technologies

A report from an affiliation of independent electric grid operators concludes that the future of the North American power grid depends on effectively adding renewables to the grid, the accuracy and availability of data from “behind-the-meter” resources and coordinating these distributed energy resources at the grid operator level to preserve reliability.

The report, “Emerging Technologies: How ISOs and RTOs can create a more nimble, robust electricity system,” was published March 16, 2017 by the ISO/RTO Council (IRC), an affiliation of nine non-profit independent system operators (ISO) and regional transmission organizations, including ISO New England. Collectively, IRC members serve two-thirds of electricity consumers in the United States and more than half in Canada.

In the report, the IRC defines a number of positions regarding policies, strategic approaches, worthy goals, and critical success factors members feel will either enable or hinder them in the near future.

Learn more by reading the press release, summary document, or full report.

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

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

On March 16, 2017, the Energy and Technology Committee held a meeting to consider bills for Joint Favorable (JF) action.  The agenda is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/ca/2017CA-00316-R001300ET-CA.htm. 

The current list of bills reported out of the Energy and Technology Committee is available at:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=et. 

The Energy and Technology Committee will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 2pm in Room 2B of the LOB to JF bills. The Committee’s JF deadline is March 23, 2017.   

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.

CPES Policy Committee Update: March 6, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • FERC Staff To Hold Technical Conference on Wholesale Markets and State Policies
  • Connecticut Legislative Update
  • Energy and Technology Committee to Hold Public Hearing on March 7th

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

FERC Staff To Hold Technical Conference on Wholesale Markets and State Policies

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) staff will hold a 2-day technical conference on May 1 and May 2, 2017 to discuss the intersection of state policies and wholesale energy and capacity markets operated by the Eastern Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs). According to the Notice of Technical Conference, “Over the years, the rules underpinning competitive wholesale markets have evolved to address a myriad of issues while ensuring the reliable delivery and sale of electricity at just and reasonable rates. In recent years, there has been increased interest by state policy makers to pursue policies that prioritize certain resources or resource attributes. Because the wholesale competitive markets, as currently designed, select resources based on principles of operational and economic efficiency without specific regard to resource type, there is an open question of how the competitive wholesale markets, particularly in states or regions that restructured their retail electricity service, can select resources of interest to state policy makers while preserving the benefits of regional markets and economic resource selection.” According to the notice, the technical conference will foster “further discussion regarding the development of regional solutions in the Eastern RTOs/ISOs that reconcile the competitive market framework with the increasing interest by states to support particular resources or resource attributes.” For more information, visit the FERC website.

For information on the discussions taking place in New England on Integrating Markets and Public Policy (IMAPP), visit the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) website. IMAPP discussions, launched by NEPOOL in August 2016, are intended to identify potential changes to the region’s wholesale electricity markets to accommodate the public policy goals of the New England states, namely their carbon reduction and renewable energy goals.      

 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

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

On Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM in Room 2E of the LOB, the Energy and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing.  The agenda is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/pha/2017PHA00307-R001100ET-PHA.htm

The following raised bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • S.B. No. 860 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING CONTRACTS FOR ZERO EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS AND LOW-EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS. (ET)
  • S.B. No. 861 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING RATEPAYER IMPACT STATEMENTS. (ET)
  • S.B. No. 862 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REVIEW OF CLAIMS ARISING FROM CONTRACTS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY. (ET)
  • S.B. No. 863 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF TRASH-TO-ENERGY FACILITIES AS A COMPONENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY. (ET)
  • S.B. No. 899 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS FOR PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENTS, ENERGY ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OR CREDITS AND TRANSMISSION RATES. (ET)
  • S.B. No. 900 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO ELECTRIC SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS AND ADVERTISING AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REPORTING OF ELECTRIC RATES. (ET)
  • Raised S.B. 936: AN ACT CONCERNING TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY STATUTES.  To make technical and conforming changes to the energy and technology statutes.
  • Raised S.B. 973: AN ACT CONCERNING A RESIDENTIAL SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROGRAM.  To establish a state residential sustainable energy program for the purpose of financing energy improvements.
  • Raised S.B. 974: AN ACT REQUIRING THE STUDY OF ENERGY SOURCES.  To require the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct a study regarding energy sources.
  • H.B. No. 7104 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS. (ET)
  • H.B. No. 7105 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING WATER COMPANY RATE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS. (ET)
  • H.B. No. 7106 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING AUDIT REPORTS FILED WITH THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY. (ET)
  • H.B. No. 7107 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT AND USE OF REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS ACCOUNT FUNDS. (ET)
  • H.B. No. 7140 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES THAT SUPPORT THE STATE’S COMPREHENSIVE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY. (ET)
  • Raised H.B. 7208: AN ACT CONCERNING THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM.  To make changes to the commercial property assessed clean energy program.
  • H.B. No. 7232 (RAISED) AN ACT REQUIRING THE STUDY OF THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE STATE. (ET)

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.

CPES Policy Committee Update: February 28, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Releases 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook
  • New Docket Established by PURA
  • Connecticut Legislative Update
  • Governor’s Bill includes an Act Promoting Fuel Cell Use

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Releases 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook

ISO New England has released the 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook (REO), an annual report that examines the challenges and trends impacting New England’s power system. The REO explains the innovative solutions the ISO and regional stakeholders are pursuing to ensure reliable electricity for the region’s homes and businesses—today and into the future.

The ISO has also created new webpages that highlight and expand on the information and statistics contained in the report.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On February 23, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

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

The following raised bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • Raised S.B. 777: AN ACT CONCERNING THE BIODIESEL BLEND REQUIREMENT FOR HEATING OIL.  To alter the timing and delay provisions concerning the biodiesel blend requirement for heating oil.
  • Raised S.B. 860: AN ACT CONCERNING CONTRACTS FOR ZERO EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS AND LOW-EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS.  To require electric distribution companies to solicit long-term contracts for zero emission renewable energy credits and low-emission renewable energy credits for an additional year.
  • Raised S.B. 861: AN ACT CONCERNING RATEPAYER IMPACT STATEMENTS.  To require a ratepayer impact statement on bills which, if passed, would have a financial impact on electric ratepayers.
  • Raised S.B. 862: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REVIEW OF CLAIMS ARISING FROM CONTRACTS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY.  To permit the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to review claims arising from contracts the authority previously approved.
  • Raised S.B. 863: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF TRASH-TO-ENERGY FACILITIES AS A COMPONENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY.  To require the study of the viability of trash-to-energy facilities as a component of the Comprehensive Energy Strategy.
  • Raised S.B. 899: AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS FOR PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENTS, ENERGY ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OR CREDITS AND TRANSMISSION RATES.  To no longer require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to hold a hearing for certain adjustments, unless a hearing is requested by a company, interested person or member of the public.
  • Raised S.B. 900: AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO ELECTRIC SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS AND ADVERTISING AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REPORTING OF ELECTRIC RATES.  To make minor changes regarding electric supplier compliance with environmental laws, renewable portfolio standards and advertising and contract requirements and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority report regarding electric rates.
  • Raised H.B. 7012: AN ACT REQUIRING INFORMATION ON THE STATE’S ENERGY COSTS COMPETITIVENESS AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY.  To assess progress in reducing electricity and other energy costs and make recommendations to improve Connecticut’s competitive position.
  • Raised H.B. 7104: AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS.  To no longer permit suppliers and electric distribution companies to make up renewable energy portfolio deficiencies within the first three months of the succeeding calendar year.
  • Raised H.B. 7107: AN ACT CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT AND USE OF REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS ACCOUNT FUNDS.  To broaden the types of energy investments authorized for the proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions.
  • Raised H.B. 7140: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES THAT SUPPORT THE STATE’S COMPREHENSIVE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY.  To require the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct a study regarding the adequacy of baseload Class I renewable energy sources that manage the state’s biomass waste stream in accordance with the state’s Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy.

The following Governor’s bill may be of interest to our membership:

  • Governor’s H.B. 7036: AN ACT PROMOTING THE USE OF FUEL CELLS FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BENEFITS AND RELIABILITY.  To implement the Governor’s budget recommendations.

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.