CPES Policy Committee Update: May 2, 2017

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.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Expects Adequate Electricity Supplies This Summer
  • On April 21st, PURA Established a New Docket on Electric Distribution Company System Reliability

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Expects Adequate Electricity Supplies This Summer

ISO New England expects adequate electricity supplies to meet consumer demand for electricity this summer. Tight supply margins, however, could develop if forecasted peak system conditions occur. If this happens, the ISO will take steps to manage New England’s electricity supply and demand in real time and maintain reliable power system operations.

This summer, under normal weather of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), electricity demand is forecasted to peak at 26,482 MW. Extreme summer weather, such as an extended heat wave of about 94°F, could push demand up to 28,865 MW. These forecasts incorporate the demand-reducing effects of energy-efficiency measures acquired through the Forward Capacity Market and behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Approximately 2,000 MW (nameplate capacity) of behind-the-meter solar facilities are currently installed throughout New England.

For more information, see ISO New England’s summer outlook press release.

 
PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKET:

On April 21, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

  • Docket No. 17-04-19:  PURA 2017 Annual Report to the General Assembly on Electric Distribution Company System Reliability (http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/(Web+Main+View/All+Dockets)?OpenView&StartKey=17-04-19)

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 Energy and Technology Committee’s JF deadline was March 23, 2017.  The list of bills reported out of the Energy and Technology Committee is available at:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CommJFList.asp?comm_code=et and additional information about the status of these bills is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/cbr/et.asp

CPES does not take a position on these legislative proposals; this is provided for informational purposes only to CPES members.