Category Archives: solar

CPES Policy Committee Update: April 26, 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:

  • U.S. Supreme Court Weighs In On Wholesale Energy Markets
  • Kinder Morgan Halts Pipeline Expansion into the Region
  • RESA Explains Why Comparing Retail Products to Standard Service Is Improper
  • Long-Awaited NYGATS is Launched
  • Five Energy Related Bills Progressing In the CT Legislature

 

Regional and Industry Developments

FERC has Exclusive Jurisdiction

In a unanimous decision Tuesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an 8-0 ruling which found that Maryland’s program to incentivize new in-state generation capacity intruded on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s exclusive jurisdiction over wholesale energy markets under the Federal Power Act. Maryland’s controversial program required Maryland’s utilities to enter into contracts-for-differences (CFDs) with new in-state power generation resources to ensure those resources cleared wholesale market auctions. The Court rejected the Maryland program, finding the contracts “intrude on FERC’s authority over interstate wholesale rates.” While the Court found the Maryland program impermissible, the justices appear to have left the door open for other state generation incentives more squarely aimed at environmental objectives. The Court’s ruling is available at the following link.

 

Kinder Morgan Suspends Further Work and Expenditures on Northeast Energy Direct Project

On April 20, 2016, Kinder Morgan issued the following statement on the Northeast Energy Direct project: “As a result of inadequate capacity commitments from prospective customers, Kinder Morgan, Inc., (NYSE: KMI) and its subsidiary, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (TGP), have suspended further work and expenditures on the Northeast Energy Direct (NED) project.” The NED project was a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion project aimed at upgrading natural gas infrastructure in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut to help meet increased demand for natural gas in the northeast. Kinder Morgan filed its certificate application for the NED project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on November 20, 2015. The project had a planned in-service date of 2018. For more information on the proposed project, see Kinder Morgan’s NED website.

 

Retail Energy Supply Association Is Critical of Report by CT Consumer Counsel

On April 20, 2016, the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA) explained why Consumer Counsel’s comparison of utility Standard Service electric rates and the complex product offerings of competitive retail suppliers is an unfair comparison.  RESA explains that there are various value-added products offered by suppliers that a consumer cannot obtain from the distribution electric utility company.  http://resausa.org/news-events/resa-responds-connecticut-consumer-counsel%E2%80%99s-press-release.  (Links: CT Office of Consumer Counsel Fact Sheet: Electric Supplier Market and OCC Press Release)

 

NYSERDA Launches NYGATS

The New York Generation Attribute Tracking System (NYGATS), a web-based tracking system that will record electricity generation attribute information within New York State, and process generation attribute information from energy imported and consumed within the state, as a basis for creating tradable generation attribute certificates. NYGATS is being launched in two phases; Phase 1 for Account Holder and Project Registration and Phase 2 for Certificate Creation. During Phase 1, all users of NYGATS are required to register their projects or accounts. During Phase 2, certificates will be created and available for generation back to January 1, 2016.  Please refer to the NYGATS informational web site http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/NYGATS for access to the NYGATS registry, trainings and documents including the final NYGATS Operating Rules. Users may also register for a free NYGATS Account Registration and User Training Webinar on April 26 or May 2.

 

Connecticut Legislation

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 19, 2016, the Senate passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

·         S.B. No. 334:  Senate passed.  (AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO CERTAIN ENERGY PURCHASING POOL AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSES STATUTES).

On April 20, 2016, the Senate passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • S.B. No. 103:  Senate passed as amended by Senate Amendment Schedule A.  (AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO ENERGY-RELATED STATUTES).

On April 20, 2016, the House of Representatives passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • H.B. No. 5309:  House passed as amended by House Amendment Schedule A.  (AN ACT CONCERNING FACILITATION OF THE MUNICIPAL RESIDENTIAL SOLAR APPLICATION PROCESS).

On April 21, 2016, the House of Representatives passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • H.B. No. 5496:  House passed as amended by House Amendment Schedule A.  (AN ACT CONCERNING BIOMASS FACILITIES AND CERTAIN VIRTUAL NET METERING FACILITIES).

On April 22, 2016, the House of Representatives passed the following bill that may be of interest to you:

  • H.B. No. 5427: House passed as amended by House Amendment Schedule A.  (AN ACT CONCERNING THE SHARED CLEAN ENERGY FACILITY PILOT PROGRAM). 

CPES Policy Committee Update: March 22, 2016

CPES Policy Committee Update: March 22

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 to hold bidders conference March 24 on RFP for small renewables, demand response and energy storage
  • E&T Committee continues to report out bills, and plans March 24 forum on energy supplies in the state
  • ISO-NE paper on energy storage identifies opportunities in wholesale electricity markets

Connecticut Policy/Regulatory Update:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold a Bidders’ Conference on the Public Act 15-107 Section 1(b) Request for Proposals (RFP) for all potential bidders on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., in the Gina McCarthy Auditorium, at DEEP’s Hartford office, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, Connecticut. Prospective attendees must register by 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, by emailing DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov.  The Public Act 15-107 Section 1(b) RFP solicits bids from small Class I resources, small Class III resources, passive demand response, and energy storage systems.

 

Connecticut Legislative Update: Energy & Technology Committee

Information about E&T, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/.

The E&T Committee is holding a meeting on Tuesday, March 22 and an informational forum on “A Study of the Adequacy of Energy Supplies including Nuclear Power in the State” on Thursday, March 24.

In the appendix below, please see a list of bills that may be of interest to our members.

 

Regional and Industry Developments

ISO New England Releases Energy Storage Document

Interest in energy storage technologies is growing in New England, and project developers, policymakers, and others are examining how these technologies can participate in the region’s wholesale electricity markets. Given this interest, ISO New England developed a paper to explain the characteristics and requirements of the various wholesale markets in which storage devices can compete today.

This paper outlines the opportunities available to energy storage technologies to be compensated in the wholesale electricity markets for providing services needed for a reliable, efficient, and competitive power system.

 

Appendix

On March 17, 2016, the following bills that may be of interest to you were reported out of the Energy and Technology Committee:

 S.B. No. 103 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROCUREMENT MANAGER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND MINOR REVISIONS TO ENERGY-RELATED STATUTES’, to transfer the responsibilities of the PURA procurement manager to other employees of the agency and make other minor revisions to energy-related statutes.

  • S.B. No. 272 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF MICROGRID GRANTS AND LOANS FOR CERTAIN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GENERATION’, to allow the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to provide microgrid grants and loans for additional types of costs associated with such microgrids. 
  • S.B. No. 334 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO THE ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY RELATED STATUTES’, to (1) allow an electric distribution company to recover costs associated with the shared clean energy facilities pilot program, (2) make changes regarding contracting in connection with the purchasing pool for electricity, (3) make changes to the requirements for energy performance standards and life-cycle cost analyses, (4) remove the federal weatherization program from the purview of the Department of Social Services, and (5) make other conforming and technical changes. 
  • H.B. No. 5242 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL VIRTUAL NET METERING’, to allow agricultural customers to lease or enter into long-term contracts for an agricultural virtual net metering facility. 
  • H.B. No. 5309 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING FACILITATION OF THE MUNICIPAL RESIDENTIAL SOLAR APPLICATION PROCESS’, to require the Green Bank to approve a standardized solar photovoltaic system permit application form for use by municipalities. 
  • H.B. No. 5310 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING LOCATION OF SITING COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS’, to require the Connecticut Siting Council to hold a public hearing in the municipality in which a proposed facility is to be located if the proposed facility will be located only in that municipality. 
  • H.B. No. 5427 (RAISED) ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY . ‘AN ACT CONCERNING THE SHARED CLEAN ENERGY FACILITY PILOT PROGRAM’, to make changes to the shared clean energy facility pilot program regarding utilities’ cost recovery, tariff mechanisms, and other technical changes.

 

CPES Policy Committee Update 3.11.16

Constant Contact Banners2.19.16Connecticut Power and Energy Society Holds its Annual Conference with Remarks from Governor Dannel Malloy

On March 9, 2016, the Connecticut Power and Energy Society held its annual Energy, Environment and Economic Development Conference. The conference began with keynote remarks from Fred Carstensen, Professor of Finance and Economics at the University of Connecticut School of Business, who provided an overview of Connecticut’s economic outlook. Carstensen stressed Connecticut’s need for a more holistic vision and integrated approach to stimulating economic growth in the state. The conference also featured a keynote presentation by Daniel Sosland, President of Acadia Center, who discussed the shift toward a lower-carbon, consumer-focused energy future. Sosland stressed the importance of grid-modernization efforts to empower energy consumers and integrate greater levels of distributed energy resources. The conference also featured panel discussions on energy leadership at the local level, advanced technology in energy storage, and regional energy solutions to address challenges facing the electric grid.

After an update from Katie Scharf Dykes, Deputy Commissioner for Energy at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Governor Malloy addressed attendees on the efforts made at the state and regional level to achieve a cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy future for Connecticut. Malloy highlighted the 2011 merger of the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Public Utility Control to form the new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection with a coordinated approach to energy and environmental challenges confronting the state. Malloy also championed the creation of the Connecticut Green Bank, which expects to attract $500 million in private investment for clean energy projects by the end of the fiscal year. Finally, Malloy highlighted Connecticut’s leadership role in regional discussions on the need for additional investments in energy infrastructure in New England.

 

Connecticut DEEP Issues RFP

Connecticut DEEP has issued its final RFP for the 2-20 MW Renewable, Passive Demand Response & Energy Storage procurement. DEEP has also issued its Draft RFP for Natural Gas Capacity, LNG and Natural Gas Storage. The documents are available at the following links: Gas, 2-20 MW Renewables

 

Regional and Industry Developments:

ISO-NE Consumer Liaison Group Meets in Connecticut

On March 10, 2016, the Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) met in Cromwell, Connecticut to discuss “Solar Development in New England:  Consumer Protection, Costs and Benefits, and What Does it Mean for the Wholesale Market?”

 The CLG is a forum for sharing information between ISO New England and those who ultimately use and pay for electricity in New England—residential, commercial, and industrial customers. It was formed in 2009 to meet the need, as cited in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 719, for heightened communication between Regional Transmission Organizations and their stakeholders, with a particular focus on electricity consumers, consumer advocates, and state government regulators.  The CLG organizes four quarterly meetings a year and is governed by a Coordinating Committee, which selects the topics and speakers for all of the meetings.

 The meeting featured keynote speaker Elin Swanson Katz, Connecticut’s Consumer Counsel, who discussed the growth of solar in Connecticut and the need to continually analyze the suite of incentives supporting solar development in Connecticut. Solar policy, she said, impacts virtually every aspect of the electric industry, including cost, emissions, customer choice, economic development, and jobs.

Joseph Rosenthal, Principal Attorney for the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, moderated a panel of energy industry and ISO representatives to discuss solar development in Connecticut and the New England region. Panelists included:

  • Camilo Serna, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Policy, Eversource Energy
  • Dan Hendrick, Director of External Affairs, NRG Energy
  • Mackey Dykes, Vice President, Commercial & Industrial Programs, Connecticut Green Bank
  • Carissa Sedlacek, Director of Resource Adequacy, System Planning, ISO New England
  • Paul Peterson, Principal Associate, Synapse Energy Economics, Inc.

The meeting concluded with an update from Anne George, Vice President of External Affairs & Corporate Communications for ISO New England, who discussed the results of Forward Capacity Auction #10, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on demand response, and wholesale electricity costs for 2015.

 All of the speaker presentations are available on the CLG website. The next quarterly CLG meeting will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough, Massachusetts on June 17, 2016.

Connecticut Energy Evolution Grabs Headlines

The Hartford Business Journal examines Connecticut’s energy evolution – http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20160307/PRINTEDITION/303039927

New York Public Service Commission’s Rules Governing Electric Service Companies Challenged in Court

http://www.rtoinsider.com/court-delays-new-york-rules-22943/