Category Archives: natural gas

CPES Policy Committee Update: August 21, 2019

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/PURA Seeking Comments on Value of Distributed Energy Resources Docket
  • DEEP Rules for New Shared Clean Energy Facilities (SCEF) Program
  • Commission Makes Recommendations On Offshore Wind
  • Shared solar program heading towards approval, complaints in tow
  • Environmental advocates denounce planned natural gas plant in Killingly
  • UConn Launches Institute of the Environment
  • US EPA Publishes Report on Public Health Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
  • Feds delay environmental statement for offshore wind project

CONNECTICUT

DEEP/PURA Seeking Comments on Value of Distributed Energy Resources Docket
Public comment is being accepted on the scope of the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the value of distributed energy resources – see public notice for more details.  Comments are due August 21.

DEEP Rules for New Shared Clean Energy Facilities (SCEF) Program
In late July, DEEP submitted program rules to PURA for its statewide SCEF program. More information in DEEP’s press release and program website.

CT News Junkie: Commission Makes Recommendations On Offshore Wind

CT Mirror: Shared solar program heading towards approval, complaints in tow

Hartford Courant: Environmental advocates denounce planned natural gas plant in Killingly

UConn Launches Institute of the Environment
Drawing on its strengths as a leader in environmental research, education, and engagement, the University of Connecticut has launched the Institute of the Environment to help chart a course to a greener future. MORE

INDUSTRY

US EPA Publishes Report on Public Health Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
The agency’s report, Public Health Benefits per kWh of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the United States: A Technical Report, aims to help state and local government policymakers and other stakeholders estimate the monetized public health benefits of investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

CT Post: Feds delay environmental statement for offshore wind project

Natural Gas Representatives Share Latest Information on Infrastructure Projects Progressing in Connecticut and New England

Wrap Up: Natural Gas Infrastructure Project Updates: Transmission and LDCs
Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Cromwell, CT
Presentations

On June 14, 2017, the Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) hosted representatives from Connecticut-based gas utilities and an interstate pipeline company to provide an update on the natural gas expansion projects progressing in Connecticut and the larger New England region.  Gregg Therrien, Assistant Vice President of Concentric Energy Advisors and member of the CPES Board of Directors, moderated the panel discussion, which included remarks by:

  • Michael J. Dirrane, Director of Marketing, Enbridge
  • Erik Robie, Manager for Commercial Sales, Connecticut Natural Gas and The Southern Connecticut Gas Company
  • Chris Luca, Program Manager for Gas Expansion, Eversource

 
Michael Dirrane provided an update on the interstate pipeline expansion projects completed and advancing in New England. Enbridge, a leader in the gathering, transportation, processing and storage of natural gas, merged with Spectra Energy on March 1, 2017, creating one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America. Dirrane is responsible for managing the commercial relationships between Enbridge pipelines in the Northeast, including the Algonquin Gas Transmission (AGT) pipeline system, and gas utilities in the region. He said that natural gas supplies from the Marcellus and Utica shale plays have been a “game changer” for the industry since they came on line in the 2010 timeframe. Today, six billion cubic feet of natural gas per day is supplied by the Marcellus and Utica shale formations, and this gas, he said, is being transported all across the country. Dirrane provided an update on the Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) and Atlantic Bridge expansion projects. The AIM project, completed in January 2017, expanded the pipeline capacity of the existing AGT pipeline system by roughly 342,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day. The Atlantic Bridge project, scheduled for completion in 2018, is designed to provide additional capacity on both the AGT and Maritimes & Northeast pipeline systems.
 
Erik Robie discussed the key role the 2013 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) has played in the expansion of the natural gas distribution system in Connecticut, calling it the “playbook” for gas utilities in the state. The CES, issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in February 2013, made several recommendations to advance to the state’s vision for a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy future. One of the central goals of the 2013 CES, Robie explained, was to increase customer choice by providing residents and businesses greater access to natural gas. The 2013 CES, and its enabling legislation passed in 2014, established new rate and cost-recovery mechanisms, among other tools, to help move natural gas expansion projects forward in Connecticut. Since the 2013 CES was issued, Connecticut Natural Gas and The Southern Connecticut Gas Company have added 153 miles of new main and supplied more than 34,000 new customers with natural gas. Their goal is to install 180 miles of new main by the end of 2017.
 
Chris Luca underscored the importance of the 2013 CES in the expansion of the natural gas distribution system in Connecticut. Luca also discussed the importance of working with municipalities to minimize the costs associated with permitting, policing the construction site, and restoring the site to its original condition after installing new pipeline. Luca highlighted the Ansonia residential expansion project, one of three major gas expansion projects for Eversource in 2016. The project involved 4.25 miles of new pipe and provided access to natural gas for more than 294 residential properties. Eversource’s communications strategy with the municipality and residents was key to the project’s success, Luca said.           
 
All of the panelists’ presentations are available on the CPES website.

 

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: 

 

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 11, 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:

  • PURA Opens Docket on CT Gas Forecasting for 2017-2021
  • ISO Begins Winter Reliability Program
  • FERC Issues Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on Utility Transactions
  • Important Dates for CT and MA 2017 Legislative Sessions

 

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On September 30, 2016, Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas Company each submitted a Biennial Forecast of Natural Gas Demand and Supply and, on October 3, 2016, Yankee Gas Services Company submitted a Biennial Forecast of Natural Gas Demand and Supply, which may be of interest to you:

  • Docket No. 16-10-06:  PURA Review of the Connecticut Gas Utilities Forecasts of Demand and Supply 2017-2021

 

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Begins Preparations for the 2016/2017 Winter Season

This winter, ISO New England will administer another winter reliability program to mitigate the reliability risks associated with inadequate fuel supplies during cold weather conditions. The program will run from December 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 and include an oil inventory component, an LNG component, and a demand response component. Requests to participate in the program were due to ISO New England by October 1, 2016. For more information, visit ISO New England’s Winter Reliability Solutions for 2015/2016 to 2017/2018 key project page: https://www.iso-ne.com/committees/key-projects/winter-reliability-solutions.

 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (“FERC”)

On September 22, 2016 FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”) on the issue of whether FERC should change its approach/involvement in public utility mergers, acquisitions and dispositions under the Federal Power Act (“FPA”).  The full text of the NOI can be found here: http://elibrary-backup.ferc.gov/IDMWS/common/OpenNat.asp?fileID=14360320

 

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 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.