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:
- NEPOOL Rule Changes Discussed
- MA Governor Signs Bill to Promote Energy Diversity
Regional & Industry Developments
New England Power Pool (NEPOOL) Market Participants Meet to Discuss Potential Market Rule Changes to Integrate Markets and Public Policy
On August 11, 2016, New England market participants, state regulators, and other stakeholders met to discuss potential market rule changes to integrate the region’s wholesale electricity markets with the public policy goals of the New England states. The meeting was intended to begin the solution identification process by hearing from various stakeholders on potential ways to adjust wholesale power markets to achieve and accommodate the renewable and clean energy goals of the states. The presentations from the meeting are available here.
Under the NEPOOL process, further discussions will include refinement of the solutions proposed for integrating markets and public policy.
For more information, visit ISO New England’s Wholesale Markets and State Public Policy Initiative webpage.
Legislative Affairs
MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATION:
The 2015-2016 Massachusetts formal session ended on July 31, 2016. The 2017-2018 Massachusetts session begins January 4, 2017.
On July 31, 2016, the following bill passed both chambers that may be of interest to you:
- H.4568: An Act to promote energy diversity. A summary is available at: https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2016/07/31/lawmakers-reach-late-night-compromise-energy-bill/s1EsKVf56zEB7kE6wW6slL/story.html.
On August 8, 2016, Governor Baker signed H.4568, which is now Chapter 188 of the Acts of 2016.
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
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/