Tag Archives: Energy

CPES Policy Committee Update: February 28, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Releases 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook
  • New Docket Established by PURA
  • Connecticut Legislative Update
  • Governor’s Bill includes an Act Promoting Fuel Cell Use

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Releases 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook

ISO New England has released the 2017 Regional Electricity Outlook (REO), an annual report that examines the challenges and trends impacting New England’s power system. The REO explains the innovative solutions the ISO and regional stakeholders are pursuing to ensure reliable electricity for the region’s homes and businesses—today and into the future.

The ISO has also created new webpages that highlight and expand on the information and statistics contained in the report.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On February 23, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

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 following raised bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • Raised S.B. 777: AN ACT CONCERNING THE BIODIESEL BLEND REQUIREMENT FOR HEATING OIL.  To alter the timing and delay provisions concerning the biodiesel blend requirement for heating oil.
  • Raised S.B. 860: AN ACT CONCERNING CONTRACTS FOR ZERO EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS AND LOW-EMISSION RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS.  To require electric distribution companies to solicit long-term contracts for zero emission renewable energy credits and low-emission renewable energy credits for an additional year.
  • Raised S.B. 861: AN ACT CONCERNING RATEPAYER IMPACT STATEMENTS.  To require a ratepayer impact statement on bills which, if passed, would have a financial impact on electric ratepayers.
  • Raised S.B. 862: AN ACT CONCERNING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REVIEW OF CLAIMS ARISING FROM CONTRACTS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY.  To permit the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to review claims arising from contracts the authority previously approved.
  • Raised S.B. 863: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF TRASH-TO-ENERGY FACILITIES AS A COMPONENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY.  To require the study of the viability of trash-to-energy facilities as a component of the Comprehensive Energy Strategy.
  • Raised S.B. 899: AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS FOR PURCHASED GAS ADJUSTMENTS, ENERGY ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OR CREDITS AND TRANSMISSION RATES.  To no longer require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to hold a hearing for certain adjustments, unless a hearing is requested by a company, interested person or member of the public.
  • Raised S.B. 900: AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR REVISIONS TO ELECTRIC SUPPLIER COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS AND ADVERTISING AND CONTRACT PROVISIONS AND THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY’S REPORTING OF ELECTRIC RATES.  To make minor changes regarding electric supplier compliance with environmental laws, renewable portfolio standards and advertising and contract requirements and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority report regarding electric rates.
  • Raised H.B. 7012: AN ACT REQUIRING INFORMATION ON THE STATE’S ENERGY COSTS COMPETITIVENESS AS PART OF THE COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY STRATEGY.  To assess progress in reducing electricity and other energy costs and make recommendations to improve Connecticut’s competitive position.
  • Raised H.B. 7104: AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS.  To no longer permit suppliers and electric distribution companies to make up renewable energy portfolio deficiencies within the first three months of the succeeding calendar year.
  • Raised H.B. 7107: AN ACT CONCERNING THE INVESTMENT AND USE OF REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS ACCOUNT FUNDS.  To broaden the types of energy investments authorized for the proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions.
  • Raised H.B. 7140: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES THAT SUPPORT THE STATE’S COMPREHENSIVE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY.  To require the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct a study regarding the adequacy of baseload Class I renewable energy sources that manage the state’s biomass waste stream in accordance with the state’s Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy.

The following Governor’s bill may be of interest to our membership:

  • Governor’s H.B. 7036: AN ACT PROMOTING THE USE OF FUEL CELLS FOR ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BENEFITS AND RELIABILITY.  To implement the Governor’s budget recommendations.

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

CPES Policy Committee Update: February 21, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org.

This week’s features:

  • Consumer Liaison Group Meeting will Focus on the Role of Nuclear Power in New England
  • The Energy and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM on February 21, 2017

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

Consumer Liaison Group Meeting Will Focus on the Role of Nuclear Power in New England

The first quarterly meeting of the New England Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) for 2017 will be held on March 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough, Massachusetts. The meeting will focus on the role of nuclear power in New England, particularly its impacts on reliability, carbon reduction, and market prices. The meeting will feature Tracy Babbidge, Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) as the keynote speaker.

Panelists will include:

  • Kevin Hennessy, State Policy Director – New England, Dominion Resources, Inc.
  • William Berg, Vice President of Wholesale Market Development, Exelon Corporation
  • Peter Fuller, Vice President of Market and Regulatory Affairs, NRG Energy
  • Dr. Gilbert Brown, Emeritus Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell

To register for the meeting, visit the Consumer Liaison Group webpage on the ISO New England website.

 CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/

On February 21, 2017, the Energy and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM.  The agenda is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/pha/2017PHA00221-R001300ET-PHA.htm

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

CPES Policy Committee Update: February 6, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Conducts Eleventh Forward Capacity Market Auction
  • Three New Public Utilities Proceedings of Interest
  • The Agenda for the Energy and Technology Committee Public Hearing on February 7th

 REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Conducts Eleventh Forward Capacity Market Auction
On February 6, 2017, ISO New England conducted the eleventh Forward Capacity Auction (FCA #11) to procure the capacity resources needed to meet the demand for electricity during the 2020/2021 capacity commitment period. Results of the auction will be announced via press release on ISO New England’s Press Releases web page. Further details are available on ISO New England’s Forward Capacity Market web page.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On January 30, 2017, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you: 

On February 1, 2017, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceedings, which may be of interest to you: 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATION:

Information about the Energy and Technology Committee, including committee meetings and public hearings, is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/

On February 7, 2017, the Energy and Technology Committee will hold a public hearing at 1:00 PM.  The agenda is available at: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2017/etdata/pha/2017PHA00207-R001300ET-PHA.htm

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

CPES 2017 Legislative Preview: Nuclear Power, the Utility of the Future, and the Affordability of Electricity

January 18, 2017 Legislative Preview: Nuclear Power, the Utility of the Future, and the Affordability of Electricity Are Considered Priorities This Session

On January 18, 2017,  the Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES), the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Energy, Public Utility and Communications Section, and the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Business Association (REEBA) hosted the annual Connecticut General Assembly legislative preview with leadership from the Energy and Technology Committee. House Chair Lonnie Reed, Senate Co-Chair Paul Formica, and Ranking Member Laura Hoydick participated on behalf of the committee, sharing insights on the upcoming legislative session and where they plan to focus their efforts this year. The legislators informed attendees that the committee will hold an informational session on January 24, 2017 to hear from key stakeholders on some of the pressing issues facing the state.

As for priorities, Senator Formica said that nuclear power and the viability of Millstone Nuclear Power Station will be a major area of focus this session. According to Formica, the 2,100 megawatt (MW) plant employs more than 1,000 employees and accounts for billions of dollars’ worth of economic benefits. Its carbon-free energy, he said, is an important part of the bridge to a renewable energy future. Addressing the changes affecting the traditional electric utility business model (dubbed “Utility 2.0”) and the affordability of electricity are also considered priorities this session. Representative Reed also spoke of plans to examine Connecticut’s energy “ecosystem” to determine where renewable resources and distributed forms of electricity can be better sited throughout the state.

Finally, the committee members all stressed the importance of working together and forming partnerships to advance the interests of Connecticut. They noted that solving the state’s budgetary issues and advancing a business-friendly atmosphere were important ways to grow jobs and attract investment in the state. According to the state’s Office of Fiscal Analysis, Connecticut faces an estimated $1.4 billion budget deficit for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

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CPES Policy Committee Update: January 30, 2017

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 Kathryn Dube, CPES Executive Director, via email: kdube@ctpower.org

This week’s features:

  • ISO New England Releases State and Regional Energy Profiles
  • Connecticut Legislation: Nineteen Bills of Interest

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Releases State and Regional Energy Profiles

ISO New England has updated its state and regional energy profiles, providing the latest information on supply and demand resources tied into the New England electric grid and state policies transforming the resource mix. The profiles are available on the ISO’s Key Grid and Market Stats webpage.

  • New England Power Grid 2016-2017 Regional Profile
     Key grid and market stats relating to sources of electricity production, the impact of energy-efficiency and behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) resources on electricity demand, generator retirements and proposed generation, transmission needed for reliability, imports of power from neighboring power systems, and renewable energy
  • New England Power Grid 2016-2017 State Profiles
    State-specific facts and figures relating to supply and demand resources, proposed generation, electricity demand growth, generator retirements, renewable portfolio standards, greenhouse gas reduction goals, growth of solar PV resources, and rankings for energy-efficiency efforts.

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 following proposed bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • H.B. 6120: AN ACT MAKING RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS HAVE AN EQUAL VALUE. To make renewable energy credits have an equal value.
  • H.B. 6121: AN ACT CONCERNING RAISING THE CAP ON VIRTUAL NET METERING. To raise the cap on virtual net metering.
  • H.B. 6301: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REPAIR OF NATURAL GAS LEAKS WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS OF REPORTING TO THE GAS COMPANY.  To require natural gas leaks to be repaired within two business days of reporting to the gas company.
  • H.B. 6304: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM FOR A DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK.  To establish a pilot program in Bridgeport for developing a district heating network.
  • H.B. 6306: AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SOLAR-READY CONSTRUCTION STUDY GROUP.  To establish a solar-ready construction study group.
  • H.B. 6307: AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARDS.  To increase the renewable portfolio standard to fifty per cent by 2030.
  • H.B. 6309: AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT SITING COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARINGS WHEN CHANGES WILL BE MADE TO EXISTING STRUCTURES.  To require a public hearing when changes will be made to existing structures.
  • H.B. 6310: AN ACT CONCERNING NATURAL GAS UTILITIES AND NATURAL GAS FROM THE STATE’S ORGANIC WASTE STREAM. To require natural gas utilities to purchase a portion of their supply from resources that produce renewable natural gas from fractions of the state’s organic waste stream..
  • H.B. 6311: AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER ACCESS TO AND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. To provide equal access to energy conservation programs created by the state..
  • H.B. 6312: AN ACT CONCERNING DISTRICT HEATING SYSTEM INCENTIVE PAYMENTS. To change the incentive payment made to district heating system end use customers.
  • H.B. 6544: AN ACT LIFTING THE VIRTUAL NET METERING CAP. To lift the virtual net metering cap.
  • H.B. 6546: AN ACT CONCERNING PROHIBITING SURCHARGES FROM BEING LEVIED ON UTILITY CUSTOMERS TO SUBSIDIZE INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CAPACITY.  To prohibit additional costs on utility customers to subsidize the cost of interstate natural gas pipeline capacity.
  • H.B. 6547: AN ACT CONCERNING A CONNECTICUT GREEN PLAN AND RESOURCE USE INVENTORY FOR ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE.  To determine the best practices for placement of energy infrastructure.
  • H.B. 6548: AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITIES AND RATE DESIGN STUDIES.  To remove requirements regarding municipal electric utilities and rate design studies.
  • S.B. 469: AN ACT CONCERNING REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURAL GAS PRODUCERS AND THE REPAIR OF NATURAL GAS LEAKS.  To add requirements for natural gas producers and require repair of natural gas leaks within two days.
  • S.B. 470: AN ACT CONCERNING NATURAL GAS PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS AND NATURAL GAS LEAK REPAIRS.  To add requirements for natural gas producers and require repair of natural gas leaks within two days.
  • S.B. 539: AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY OF THE SAFETY OF NATURAL GAS PIPELINES.  To assess the safety of natural gas pipelines.
  • S.B. 565: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS FROM CLASS I RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITIES THAT PROVIDE A WASTE STREAM MANAGEMENT BENEFIT.  To require a request for proposals.
  • S.B. 630: AN ACT CONCERNING CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES AND USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES.  To increase the renewable portfolio standard and better incentivize use of renewable energy sources.

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