CPES Policy Committee Update: June 19, 2018

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:

  • Connecticut Selects Over 250 MW of Renewable Energy Projects 
  • Green Bank Launches Pilot Program for New Construction
  • Summary of 2018 Energy Legislation
  • “Pay-for-performance” capacity market incentives implemented as of June 1, 2018

CONNECTICUT

CONNECTICUT SELECTS OVER 250 MW OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS  
Last week, as part of DEEP’s recent Clean Energy Request for Proposals, week the state selected over 250 MW of clean and renewable energy projects. The projects include the state’s first procurement of offshore wind, in addition to multiple fuel cell projects and a new anaerobic digestion facility.  For more information on the projects, see DEEP’s press release.

GREEN BANK LAUNCHES PILOT PROGRAM FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
On Friday, the Green Bank announced a two-year pilot program that will broaden the use of its popular Commercial and Industrial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to those designing and constructing new buildings, as well as major redevelopments. New commercial and industrial buildings designed and built to exceed what is required by Connecticut building and energy codes will be eligible to receive C-PACE financing for a portion of their overall eligible construction cost. C-PACE New Construction can be applied for a wide range of property types, including major redevelopment of existing and historic sites. The funding can be used to pay for expenses related to engineering, design and energy modeling as well as HVAC, elevators, clean energy generation, among other costs. Read more in the Green Bank’s press release.

SUMMARY OF 2018 ENERGY LEGISLATION
Earlier this month the CT Office of Legislative Research released their annual report on “Acts Affecting Energy and Utilities” summarizing laws passed during the 2018 regular legislative session affecting energy and utilities.

“PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE” CAPACITY MARKET INCENTIVES IMPLEMENTED AS OF JUNE 1, 2018
“Pay-for-performance” (PFP)—a cornerstone of ISO New England’s ongoing, multi-faceted effort to address trends that are challenging power system reliability—became effective on June 1, 2018. PFP is part of New England’s Forward Capacity Market (FCM) design, which acquires obligations from resources needed to meet demand three years into the future.