CPES Policy Committee Update: October 11, 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:

  • PURA Opens Docket on CT Gas Forecasting for 2017-2021
  • ISO Begins Winter Reliability Program
  • FERC Issues Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on Utility Transactions
  • Important Dates for CT and MA 2017 Legislative Sessions

 

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On September 30, 2016, Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas Company each submitted a Biennial Forecast of Natural Gas Demand and Supply and, on October 3, 2016, Yankee Gas Services Company submitted a Biennial Forecast of Natural Gas Demand and Supply, which may be of interest to you:

  • Docket No. 16-10-06:  PURA Review of the Connecticut Gas Utilities Forecasts of Demand and Supply 2017-2021

 

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Begins Preparations for the 2016/2017 Winter Season

This winter, ISO New England will administer another winter reliability program to mitigate the reliability risks associated with inadequate fuel supplies during cold weather conditions. The program will run from December 1, 2016 to February 28, 2017 and include an oil inventory component, an LNG component, and a demand response component. Requests to participate in the program were due to ISO New England by October 1, 2016. For more information, visit ISO New England’s Winter Reliability Solutions for 2015/2016 to 2017/2018 key project page: https://www.iso-ne.com/committees/key-projects/winter-reliability-solutions.

 

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (“FERC”)

On September 22, 2016 FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry (“NOI”) on the issue of whether FERC should change its approach/involvement in public utility mergers, acquisitions and dispositions under the Federal Power Act (“FPA”).  The full text of the NOI can be found here: http://elibrary-backup.ferc.gov/IDMWS/common/OpenNat.asp?fileID=14360320

 

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

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/.

 

MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATION:

The 2015-2016 Massachusetts formal session ended on July 31, 2016.  The 2017-2018 Massachusetts session begins January 4, 2017.

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.