Category Archives: PURA

CPES Policy Committee Update: October 8, 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 Committee or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • PURA Announces New Framework for Grid Modernization
  • Three Bids Submitted for Connecticut’s Offshore Wind Source
  • New Report Finds CT #6 in Nation for Energy Efficiency
  • Developer Breaks Ground on New Energy Efficient Data Hub
  • ISO-NE 2020 Annual Work Plan Now Available
  • Summer 2019 Saw the Lowest Regional Grid Electricity Use in at Least 16 Years

CONNECTICUT

PURA Announces New Framework for Grid Modernization
PURA released an Interim Decision that details the Authority’s Framework approach to investigate methods for equitably modernizing the electric grid in Connecticut.  PURA splits its Framework into near-term topics for further investigation within the next two years, as well as, a long-term plan to ensure continued enhancements to Connecticut’s electric grid through a biennial integrated distribution system planning process. Press release

Three Bids Submitted for Connecticut’s Offshore Wind Source
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s recent request for proposals for up to 2,000 MW of offshore wind power has attracted three bids.

New Report Finds CT #6 in Nation for Energy Efficiency
In the annual report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Connecticut ranked 6 overall for its efforts supporting energy efficiency.  More here.

CT News Junkie: Developer Breaks Ground on New Energy Efficient Data Hub

INDUSTRY

ISO-NE 2020 Annual Work Plan Now Available
ISO’s work plan, published each September and updated each spring, outlines major priorities and activities for the year that are designed to improve upon existing ISO systems, practices, and services to New England.  Learn more here.

Summer 2019 Saw the Lowest Regional Grid Electricity Use in at Least 16 Years
In a new article, ISO discusses that despite a hot July, New England saw the lowest summer season grid demand and the second lowest wholesale pricing since 2003.  Learn more here.

CPES Policy Committee Update: October 1, 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 Committee or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • Millstone, utilities finalize 10-year contract
  • CT Updates Rules for Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
  • DEEP/PURA Value of Distributed Energy Resources Technical Meetings
  • When is a new power plant ‘necessary’ in New England? Regulators defer to capacity market

CONNECTICUT

Millstone, utilities finalize 10-year contract
State regulators recently approved a 10-year contract between the owner of Millstone Power Station and utility companies, effectively ending the yearslong political, regulatory and environmental battles to keep the plant operational. More

CT Updates Rules for Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Read DEEP’s press release on the regulations, proposed by DEEP in coordination with other states who are part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), that make a number of improvements including an additional 30 percent regional CO2 emissions cap between 2020 and 2030.

DEEP/PURA Value of Distributed Energy Resources Technical Meetings
Deep and PURA are holding technical meetings on their joint value of distributed energy resources study.  See the presentation from September 20th meeting here and details for the second technical October 4th meeting here.

When is a new power plant ‘necessary’ in New England? Regulators defer to capacity market
Within the span of a few weeks in June, regulatory officials in Connecticut and Rhode Island came to starkly different conclusions on development proposals for natural gas-fired electric generating plants on sites about 20 miles apart. Read more

INDUSTRY

ISO-NE Developing Method for Assessing Energy-Efficiency Resources Performance
Read a recap of the final report by the Demand Resources Working Group on how to address the performance of energy efficiency resources.

CPES Policy Committee Update: September 24, 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 Committee or if you have ideas for future policy updates, we welcome your input and feedback. Please send comments to Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

In this Update:

  • PURA Approves Zero Carbon RFP Contracts
  • DEEP and PURA Issue Draft Outline for Value of Distributed Energy Resources Study
  • Governor Lamont Applauds PURA Approval of Millstone Contract Between Dominion, Eversource, and United Illuminating 
  • Former FERC Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur joins ISO-NE Board of Directors
  • FERC Proposes to Modernize PURPA Regulations
  • ISO-NE expands auction opportunities for Financial Transmission Rights
  • Materials From ISO System Plan Public Meeting Online
  • New Study Finds Energy Efficiency Reduces Emissions and Helps Achieve Climate Goals

CONNECTICUT

PURA Approves Zero Carbon RFP Contracts PURA Filing

Governor Lamont Applauds PURA Approval of Millstone Contract Between Dominion, Eversource, and United Illuminating Governor Lamont Press Release

INDUSTRY

Former FERC Commissioner Cheryl LaFleur joins ISO-NE Board of Directors
Last week, ISO announced the election of the 2019 Board of Directors slate, including new Director Cheryl LaFleur. LaFleur was most recently a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) commissioner.  Read more at ISO’s website.

FERC Proposes to Modernize PURPA Regulations
FERC announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking focused on recent wholesale power market developments.  Comments are due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register; read more at FERC’s website.

ISO-NE expands auction opportunities for Financial Transmission Rights
On September 17, 2019, ISO New England launched the Financial Transmission Rights – Balance of Planning Period (FTR BoPP) project to provide market participants with more opportunities to configure their FTR portfolio. Learn more at ISO’s website.

Materials From ISO System Plan Public Meeting Online
ISO New England held its biennial Regional System Plan Public Meeting in Boston, Mass. on September 12, 2019, to present the final draft 2019 Regional System Plan (RSP 19) and receive feedback from stakeholders.  Keynote and panel presentations, as well as highlights from the RDP19 report are available on ISO’s website.

New Study Finds Energy Efficiency Reduces Emissions and Helps Achieve Climate Goals
The report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, Halfway There: Energy Efficiency Can Cut Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Half by 2050, shows that energy efficiency can reduce US energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050.

 

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

CPES Policy Committee Update: May 7, 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:

  • Governor Lamont Announces New London Offshore Wind Industry Hub Plan
  • PURA Elects New Chair
  • ISO New England Publishes 2019 Forecast
  • ISO New England Releases Spring  Update of Annual Work Plan

CONNECTICUT
Governor Lamont Announces New London Offshore Wind Industry Hub Plan
The $93 million redevelopment plan between the CT Port Authority, terminal operator Gateway, and Bay State Wind (Ørsted and Eversource) will upgrade the New London port’s infrastructure and heavy-lift capability to support development of the offshore wind industry.  Read Governor Lamont’s announcement here.

Gillett Elected PURA Chair
Governor Lamont’s appointee Marissa Paslick Gillet was elected PURA Chair.  She is currently awaiting legislative confirmation.  See the PURA press release for more information.

INDUSTRY
ISO New England Publishes 2019 Forecast
On May 1, 2019, the ISO published the 2019-2028 Forecast Report of Capacity, Energy, Loads, and Transmission (CELT), which is a primary source for assumptions used in ISO system planning and reliability studies.  The CELT is developed each year using state and regional economic forecasts, 25 years of weather history in New England, results of both the ISO’s energy-efficiency (EE) forecast and solar photovoltaic (PV) forecast, and other factors. See the projections for 2019 to 2028 here.

ISO New England Releases Spring  Update of Annual Work Plan
The work plan, published each September, outlines major priorities and activities for the year that are designed to improve upon existing ISO systems, practices, and services to New England. Detailed within are expected timelines and objectives related to planning/operations, markets, and capital projects. See the spring update here.