Category Archives: New Energy Professionals

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 31, 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 presents its 2016 Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy
  • 2016 Legislation Summary
  • ISO New England’s 2015 Annual Markets Report released

 

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

On May 25, 2016, DEEP held a scoping and public input session on the its 2016 Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy.  The key topics focused on the electricity, building & processes and transportation sectors.  Comments are due June 14, 2016.  The PowerPoint presentation can be found here.

 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

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

The 2016 regular session ended on May 4, 2016.  The following bills that passed both chambers during the regular or special session and that may be of interest to you received a public act number:

  • S.B. No. 272:  AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF MICROGRID GRANTS AND LOANS FOR CERTAIN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS.  PUBLIC ACT 16-196.
  • S.B. No. 334:  AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO CERTAIN ENERGY PURCHASING POOL AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSES STATUTES.  PUBLIC ACT 16-173.
  • S.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.  PUBLIC ACT 16-212.
  • S.B. No. 394:  AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORIZATIONS RELATING TO VIRTUAL NET METERING FOR CERTAIN ZERO OR LOW EMISSION GENERATION PROJECTS.  PUBLIC ACT 16-216.
  • S.B. No. 501:  AN ACT ADJUSTING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.  MAY SPECIAL SESSION, PUBLIC ACT 16-2.
  • S.B. No. 502:  AN ACT CONCERNING REVENUE AND OTHER ITEMS TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.  MAY SPECIAL SESSION, PUBLIC ACT 16-3.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

New England’s Wholesale Electricity Markets Operated Competitively Last Year According to the 2015 Annual Markets Report  

On May 25, 2016, ISO New England’s Internal Market Monitor released the 2015 Annual Markets Report which found that wholesale power markets in New England operated competitively last year, bringing lower average power prices that reflected lower natural gas prices in 2015. The average real-time price of wholesale electric energy in 2015 fell by more than a third, or more than $22 per megawatt-hour (MWh), to $41.00/MWh as a result of natural gas prices that were 41% lower than their 2014 average. The prices of both natural gas and wholesale power were the lowest since 2012. The price of natural gas is a key factor in the price of wholesale power because the fuel generates 49% of the electricity produced in New England. The cost of fuel is the largest input into the cost of electricity production.

ISO New England issued a press release with highlights from the report, available here.

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 24, 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 Releases a Draft Report on Distribution System Reliability
  • Public Act Numbers Issued to Final Legislation
  • RESA Highlights Savings and Value-Added Products on MA Retail Energy Shopping Website

 

CONNECTICUT POLICY/REGULATORY UPDATE:  CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

PURA Releases a Draft Report on Distribution System Reliability

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) released its draft report to the legislature regarding distribution system reliability for calendar year 2015. The draft report is available at the following link. Connecticut General Statutes section 16-245y(a) requires each electric distribution company (EDC) to report reliability data to PURA for the prior 12 months.  PURA is then required to report the data for each EDC to the General Assembly. PURA conducted its review of EDC reliability data for 2015 in Docket No. 16-04-21, PURA 2016 Annual Report to the General Assembly on Electric Distribution Company System Reliability. A final report is expected June 1st.                                                                                         

 

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 2016 regular session ended on May 4, 2016.  The following bill that passed both chambers during the regular session and that may be of interest to you received a public act number:

  • H.B. No. 5496:  AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN VIRTUAL NET METERING FACILITIES.  PUBLIC ACT 16-134.
  • H.B. No. 5510:  AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC AND FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES.  PUBLIC ACT 16-135.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

Retail Energy Supply Association Highlights Savings and Value-Added Products on MA Department of Public Utilities Retail Energy Shopping Website

The Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) explained that it found nearly 30 competitive retail energy suppliers in Massachusetts actively posting more than 200 different product offerings “at prices highly competitive with default rates offered by the state’s utility companies.”  In addition, value-added product offerings include green electricity products, energy-savings smart thermostats, HVAC warranty plans, reward points, gift cards, and more.  http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20160519g.html

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 17, 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:

  • Final legislation passed during the regular legislative session and look into the special session
  • DEEP’s issues notices on 2016 Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy

 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

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

The 2016 regular session ended on May 4, 2016.  The following bill that passed both chambers during the regular session and that may be of interest to you received a public act number:

  • H.B. No. 5242:  AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL VIRTUAL NET METERING.  PUBLIC ACT 16-46.
  • H.B. No. 5427:  AN ACT CONCERNING THE SHARED CLEAN ENERGY FACILITY PILOT PROGRAM.  PUBLIC ACT 16-116.

Both chambers passed a budget and budget implementer bill during the 2016 special session.  Section 183 of the budget implementer bill diverts to the General Fund in fiscal year 2017 the first $3.3 million of proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions that take place on or after January 1, 2017.  Links to the budget and budget implementer are as follows:

  • S.B. No. 501:  AN ACT ADJUSTING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.
  • S.B. No. 502:  AN ACT CONCERNING REVENUE AND OTHER ITEMS TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.

 

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

On May 6th, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a Notice of Proceeding and Scoping Meeting regarding the 2016 Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES). The notice is available at the following link. Section 16a-3d of the Connecticut General Statutes requires DEEP to prepare a CES every three years. DEEP issued its first CES in 2013. Pursuant to the notice, DEEP is holding a meeting to deliver a presentation and receive stakeholder comments on the scope of 2016 CES on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 9:00 AM in Hearing Room 1 at DEEP’s New Britain Office located at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, Connecticut. The objective of the scoping meeting will be to provide an overview of, and seek public input on, the expected structure, schedule, and topics for the CES. The major topics identified in the notice include:  (1) Buildings and Industrial Processes; (2) Electricity Supply; and (3) Transportation. Written comments may be filed electronically on DEEP’s website or submitted directly to DEEP at DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov on or before June 14, 2016, by 4:00 p.m. EDT.

 

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 10, 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:

  • Utilities Announce New Residential Rates
  • 2016 Legislative Session Wrap-Up
  • ISO NE Issues Regional Overview

 

CONNECTICUT POLICY/REGULATORY UPDATE:  CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

New Residential Generation Rates Announced for July 1st

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has approved revised generation rates for Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) standard service customers. Based on the results of competitive auctions held earlier this year, effective July 1, 2016, Eversource’s residential generation rate will decrease from 9.555 cents per kWh to 6.606 cents per kWh. UI’s residential generation rate will decrease from 10.7358 cents per kWh to 8.0224 cents per kWh. The new standard service rates represent an approximately 20% and 12% reduction, respectively, when compared to rates last year. The PURA Dockets associated with the new rates are available at the following links: Eversource, UI.

 

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 2016 regular session ended on May 4, 2016.  During the session, both the Senate and House of Representatives passed the following bills that may be of interest to you:

  • S.B. No. 272:  AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF MICROGRID GRANTS AND LOANS FOR CERTAIN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS.
  • S.B. No. 334:  AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO CERTAIN ENERGY PURCHASING POOL AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSES STATUTES.
  • S.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.
  • S.B. No. 394:  AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORIZATIONS RELATING TO VIRTUAL NET METERING FOR CERTAIN ZERO OR LOW EMISSION GENERATION PROJECTS.
  • H.B. No. 5242:  AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL VIRTUAL NET METERING.
  • H.B. No. 5427:  AN ACT CONCERNING THE SHARED CLEAN ENERGY FACILITY PILOT PROGRAM.
  • H.B. No. 5496:  AN ACT CONCERNING CERTAIN VIRTUAL NET METERING FACILITIES.
  • H.B. No. 5510:  AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRIC AND FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

ISO New England Releases Overview of the Wholesale Electricity Markets

Now available on the ISO New England website is an overview of the region’s wholesale electricity markets, which were built on several key principles, including competition, efficiency, and transparency. These markets are securing reliable electricity at competitive prices and helping usher in a cleaner, greener grid. To access this overview, please click here .

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 3, 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:

  • A Wealth of Competitive Products on EnergizeCT
  • MicroGrids, Net Metering and Green Bank subject of legislation that is on the move
  • New England gas pipeline expansion status

 

CONNECTICUT POLICY/REGULATORY UPDATE:  CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

Connecticut Energy Shopping Site Shows Opportunities for Savings; Majority Of Competitive Suppliers Provide Green Power, Value-Added Products

Under the auspices of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority, the State of Connecticut has established EnergizeCT, a robust, well-designed and consumer-friendly electricity shopping website that routinely posts competitive generation supply products offered by licensed retail electricity suppliers, the Retail Energy Supply Association said yesterday in announcing a review of the savings and value-added services available to customers

RESA’s review of EnergizeCT shows more than two dozen competitive retail energy suppliers actively posting 212 different product offerings at prices highly competitive with default rates offered by the state’s utility companies.

The review shows there are a significant number of competitive pricing plans with terms of service that vary from six to 12 months that offer Connecticut electricity consumers the opportunity to beat the current Standard Service rates by 20 percent, 25 percent and in some cases over 30 percent, RESA said

“A wealth of competitive electricity products offer Connecticut consumers the opportunity to realize savings on their bill,” observed Marc Hanks, RESA’s New England chairman. “But there are also a wide range of value-added product offerings, the most prominent among them being ‘green’ energy products that offer consumers an opportunity to buy electricity that meets their environmental preferences.”

http://www.energychoicematters.com/stories/20160428f.html

 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.  The deadline to report bills out of the Energy and Technology Committee has passed.

On April 27, 2016, the Senate passed the following bills that may be of interest to you:

  • S.B. No. 272: Senate passed as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule A. (AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF MICROGRID GRANTS AND LOANS FOR CERTAIN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS).
  • S.B. No. 366: Senate passed as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule A. (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).

On April 28, 2016, the Senate passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • S.B. No. 394: Senate passed as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule A. (AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORIZATIONS RELATING TO VIRTUAL NET METERING FOR CERTAIN ZERO OR LOW EMISSION GENERATION PROJECTS).

On April 29, 2016, the Senate passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • S.B. No. 344: Senate passed as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule A.  (AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE ADEQUACY OF ENERGY SUPPLIES IN THE STATE).

 

Regional and Industry Developments

Maine Public Hearings on Pipeline Expansion

State utility regulators will begin public hearings Thursday on a three-year-old plan to expand pipeline capacity and potentially lower energy costs by committing ratepayers to spend up to $75 million annually on natural gas purchases.  But after three years of study, it’s still unclear how much money – if any – utility customers would save by helping to increase the supply of natural gas, which is used to generate half of New England’s electric power.

http://www.pressherald.com/2016/04/27/hearings-begin-thursday-on-plan-to-expand-natural-gas-pipeline-capacity/