Category Archives: Malloy
CPES Policy Committee Update: May 30, 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 feature:
- Governor Malloy Re-appoints Elin Swanson Katz as Consumer Counsel
- RESA Issues Whitepaper – The Superior Performance of Competitive Electricity Markets 2008-2016
- CT Office of Consumer Counsel Issues Report on Retail Electric Market
- ISO New England Is Conducting a Study of Fuel Security Challenges
- Budgets Swipe Funding for Clean Energy and Efficiency Programs; Advocates, Local Businesses Decry Impact to Environment and Economy
- The House and Senate Pass Legislation Concerning Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Administrative Hearings
STATE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS
On May 3, 2017, Governor Dannel P. Malloy re-appointed Elin Swanson Katz of West Hartford to serve another five-year term as Consumer Counsel for the State of Connecticut. The Consumer Counsel is responsible for advocating on behalf on Connecticut Consumers on issues relating to electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and water. Press Release
Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) Issues Whitepaper – The Superior Performance of Competitive Electricity Markets 2008—2016, authored by Philip R. O’Connor, Ph.D
Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel Issues Report on Retail Electric Market
ISO New England Is Conducting a Study of Fuel Security Challenges
ISO New England is conducting a study of fuel security challenges to the continued reliability of New England’s power system. In this context, fuel security refers to the ability of power plants to have or obtain the fuel required to generate electricity, especially during the winter peak season.
The study is examining more than a dozen cases of generating resource and fuel-mix combinations and will quantify each case’s fuel security risk—that is, the number and duration of energy shortfalls that would require implementation of emergency procedures to maintain reliability during the entire winter period in 2025. The study is not focused on the effects of expanded access to natural gas and will not identify needs for new or expanded pipeline capacity or natural gas infrastructure.
The study is still underway, with completion expected by the end of October 2017.
More information is posted on the ISO New England website and featured on the ISO Newswire.
Budgets Swipe Funding for Clean Energy and Efficiency Programs; Advocates, Local Businesses Decry Impact to Environment and Economy
Energy Efficiency and Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to be raided
Labor, public health, consumer and environmental advocates, as well as owners and employees of local clean energy businesses, denounce state budget proposals that massively raid energy efficiency and clean energy programs.
The Republican proposal raids $320 million ($160 million annually) from Connecticut’s nationally acclaimed Conservation & Load Management programs (C&LM) and the Democratic proposal would divert $20 million in revenue from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). That revenue supports the C&LM residential and commercial programs, municipal energy efficiency efforts, and the Connecticut Green Bank’s clean energy programs. Both the C&LM and RGGI funds create jobs, help families and businesses save billions of dollars in energy costs, reduce harmful climate pollution, and supply significant state tax revenue by fueling private growth. Cutting funding for these programs will harm Connecticut’s economy and health, and damage the state’s credibility as clean energy leader.
See link for full press release.
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 here and additional information about the status of these bills is available at this link.
The House and Senate passed the following legislation:
- SB 899: AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS FOR PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENTS, ENERGY ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OR CREDITS AND TRANSMISSION RATES (https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB899&which_year=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: November 1, 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:
- New PURA Commissioner Named
- DEEP Suspends Gas RFP
- PURA Re-Opens Billing Docket for Business Customers
- DEEP Selects Winning Bid for 2-20 MW Renewable Energy RFP
- NE Clean Energy RFP Selects Proposals
- ISO NE Discusses Winter Preparedness with FERC
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Malloy Nominates Katie Dykes as PURA Commissioner
On October 27, 2016, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy nominated Katie Dykes, deputy commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, to serve as a commissioner of the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The press release is available by clicking here.
DEEP Suspends Gas RFP
On October 25, 2016, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) issued a Notice of Cancellation for its Natural Gas Capacity, Liquefied Natural Gas, and Natural Gas Storage procurement issued pursuant to Public Act 15-107 Section (1)(D). The notice indicates that DEEP may conduct similar solicitations in the future. The Notice is available by clicking here.
DEEP Notifies 2-20MW Bidders
DEEP has provided notice that it has selected winning bidders for its 2-20 MW Renewable Energy RFP issued pursuant to Public Act 15-107. Winning bidders have not been publicly announced, however, all bidders have been contacted regarding their proposals. The RFP selection team has selected projects that represent approximately 375 megawatts (MWs) of clean energy for the state. The notice of selection is available by clicking here.
PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:
On October 26, 2016, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority reopened the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you:
- Docket No. 14-07-19RE03: PURA Investigation into Redesign of the Residential Electric Billing Format – Summary Information for Business Customers and Website Account Summary (http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/(Web+Main+View/All+Dockets)?OpenView&StartKey=14-07-19re03)
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
New England Clean Energy RFP Selects Proposals
The Soliciting Parties from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island have completed their evaluation of proposed projects received in response to the three-state Clean Energy RFP. The three states collectively selected projects that represent approximately 460 megawatts (MWs) of clean energy for the New England market. Information regarding the winning bidders is available by clicking here.
ISO New England Discusses Winter Preparedness Efforts with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
On October 20, 2016, Peter Brandien, Vice President of Operations for ISO New England, participated in a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) panel discussion on winter preparedness in advance of the 2016-2017 winter season. Brandien discussed the ISO’s outlook on operations and market performance for the upcoming winter, highlighting the steps the ISO has taken to increase market efficiency and improve gas-electric coordination to address the challenges posed by the region’s constrained natural gas pipeline system. Brandien also discussed the winter reliability program in place to mitigate the reliability risks associated with inadequate fuel supplies during severe cold weather conditions.
A copy of the ISO’s remarks, filed with FERC, is available here.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:
The 2016 Connecticut regular session ended on May 4, 2016. The 2017 Connecticut regular session begins January 4, 2017.
Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.
MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATION:
The 2015-2016 Massachusetts formal session ended on July 31, 2016. The 2017-2018 Massachusetts session begins January 4, 2017.
Information about the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, including hearings and bills in committee, is available at: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J37.
CPES Policy Committee Update: October 18, 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:
- Governor Appoints Current PURA Chairman to New Cyber Security Post
- NEPOOL Discusses Wholesale Market Changes
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
Governor Malloy Appoints Arthur House as State’s Chief Cyber Security Risk Officer
On October 13, 2016, Governor Malloy announced that he is appointing Art House, Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), to serve in the newly created position of the state’s Chief Cyber Security Risk Officer, where he will be responsible for working to enhance cybersecurity prevention and protection efforts in a comprehensive, cross-agency and cross-sector manner. House will depart his position with PURA and begin in this new role effective immediately. Governor Malloy will announce a successor to his position at PURA in the coming weeks. For additional information, see Governor Malloy’s press release
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Region’s Stakeholders Continue to Discuss Wholesale Market Changes to Accommodate State Public Policy Goals
The New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) continues to chair discussions surrounding the Integrating Markets and Public Policy (IMAPP) Initiative. IMAPP discussions, launched in August 2016, are intended to identify potential changes to the region’s wholesale electricity markets to accommodate and achieve the public policy goals of the New England states, namely their carbon reduction and renewable energy goals. The New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) has released preliminary feedback on the discussions to date to help focus the proposals and inform development of additional analysis or other potential mechanisms.
All IMAPP materials can be found on the NEPOOL website: http://nepool.com/IMAPP.php.
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:
The 2016 Connecticut regular session ended on May 4, 2016. The 2017 Connecticut regular session begins January 4, 2017.
Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.
MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATION:
The 2015-2016 Massachusetts formal session ended on July 31, 2016. The 2017-2018 Massachusetts session begins January 4, 2017.
Information about the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, including hearings and bills in committee, is available at: https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J37.
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.