Tag Archives: PURA

CPES Policy Committee Update: April 17, 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 Publishes Spring 2017 Update on Regional Transmission Investment
  • On April 7th, PURA Established a New Docket

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

ISO New England Publishes Spring 2017 Update on Regional Transmission Investment

The ISO recently published the March 2017 update to the Regional System Plan (RSP) Project List, which details Pool Transmission Facility (PTF) projects needed to ensure reliability in New England. Since the October 2016 update, 3 projects were cancelled, 24 upgrades were placed in service across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and 27 new projects were added. Additionally, some project cost estimates decreased.

Since 2002, a cumulative total of 714 project components representing an investment of $8.4 billion have been placed into service to help ensure that New England’s transmission system continues to reliably and efficiently move wholesale electricity across the region.

For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKET:

On April 7, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

For information about the 2017 Legislative Session, including bill tracking and a schedule of meetings and events , visit www.cga.ct.gov. /

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

CPES Holds PURA 101; The First 101 Series Event for New Energy Professionals

On March 28, 2017, the Connecticut Power and Energy Society’s New Energy Professionals Committee hosted “PURA 101: An Introduction to Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority” at PURA’s offices in New Britain. PURA 101 is the first of a series of informational sessions established to assist new CPES members and those new to the industry as they become acclimated and involved within the organization. The overarching goal of the 101 series is to provide a meaningful overview of state agencies and businesses with whom professionals in the industry interact. While the event was geared toward New Energy Professionals, many established professionals were also in attendance to gain insight into the evolving role of PURA.

John “Jack” Betkoski, Vice Chairman of PURA, gave opening remarks and provided attendees a glimpse into the role and work of PURA in Connecticut. He discussed the merger of the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to form the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). PURA has an independent role within DEEP, he explained, regulating the rates and services of Connecticut’s investor-owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies.  Commissioner Betkoski also explained the various regional and national energy conversations in which he and his fellow Commissioners and Staff are actively involved.

Michael Coyle, PURA spokesman, provided a deeper dive into the inner workings of PURA. He offered a perspective on the evolving role of public service commissions. He also explained how PURA processes dockets and described various PURA staff roles and how they interact with stakeholders.

Kate Boucher, PURA staff attorney, provided additional information on PURA procedures and operations. She discussed how parties can participate in or follow PURA proceedings, reviewed the scope of PURA’s jurisdiction, and gave insight into how PURA is expanding its presence into regional utility matters.

If you were not able to attend, here are takeaways from PURA 101 for New Energy Professionals:

  1. Per Vice Chairman Betkoski, after serving as a Utility Commissioner for nearly 20 years, he views the one constant in the energy industry is change.
  2. Effective utility regulation at the state level increasingly requires effective participation in regional utility matters as well.
  3. The full record of all PURA proceedings is available for review on the PURA website: www.ct.gov/pura. You can sign up for public notification emails for particular dockets.
  4. If you have questions about a current or potential docketed proceeding, contact one of PURA’s Case Coordinators.
  5. There are several active working groups in place that you can participate in on topics such as (1) suppliers; (2) net metering; (3) EBT

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: January 20, 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:

  • FERC Accepts Capacity Requirements for Eleventh Forward Capacity Auction
  • ISO New England Update on 2016/2017 Winter Reliability Program to Augment Fuel Adequacy in New England
  • The Energy and Technology Committee to Hold Meeting on “A Stakeholders Status Report on Connecticut Energy,”
  • Connecticut Legislation Provides Five Bills of Interest

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

FERC Accepts Capacity Requirements for Eleventh Forward Capacity Auction
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted ISO New England’s proposed Installed Capacity Requirement (ICR) values to be used in the 11th Forward Capacity Market auction (FCA #11), which commences February 6, 2017. The ICR used in the development of the system-wide and zonal demand curves for FCA #11 is 34,075 megawatts (MW).

This year’s ICR calculations continue to account for the demand-reducing effects of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic (PV) resources. Using the ISO’s long-term forecast of growth in PV resources, the amount of capacity required in 2020/2021 was reduced by 720 MW.

For more information, visit the ISO Newswire.

ISO New England Update on 2016/2017 Winter Reliability Program
For the fourth year in a row, a winter reliability program is in effect to help augment fuel adequacy in New England. In September 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a program for the winters of 2015/2016 to 2017/2018 to address seasonal reliability challenges created by constraints on New England’s interstate natural gas pipeline system. The previous programs proved to be cost-effective, short-term solutions to help keep the lights on in New England during very cold winter days.

For information on participation in this year’s program, visit the ISO Newswire.


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 Energy and Technology Committee will hold an informational meeting regarding “A Stakeholders Status Report on Connecticut Energy,” on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. Room 1D of the LOB.  https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp

 

The following proposed bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • H.B. 5853: AN ACT CONCERNING ELIMINATING OR RAISING THE VIRTUAL NET METERING CAP.  To encourage expansion of renewable energy projects.
  • S.B. 271: AN ACT CONCERNING MANUFACTURING FACILITIES AND INTERRUPTIBLE NATURAL GAS SERVICE.  To allow certain manufacturing facilities to utilize interruptible natural gas service without a backup fuel.
  • S.B. 372: AN ACT REPEALING CERTAIN ENERGY SOLICITATIONS.  To repeal section 16a-3j regarding certain energy solicitations.
  • S.B. 412: AN ACT RESTRICTING THE USE OF INCENTIVES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR ARRAYS ON AGRICULTURAL LAND.  To restrict the use of incentives for the development of solar arrays on agricultural land to protect farmland against large-scale solar development.
  • S.B. 413: AN ACT MAKING MUNICIPAL UTILITY COMPANIES’ BOOKS AND FINANCIALS SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.  To allow the public to examine the financials of municipal utilities.

CPES Policy Committee Update: January 17, 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:

  • U.S. Department of Energy Releases Second Installment of the Quadrennial Energy Review
  • CommonWealth Magazine Publishes Opinion Piece on the State of the Region’s Electric Grid
  • Nuclear Energy Institute Releases Analysis on the Economic Impacts of Millstone Nuclear Power Station
  • PURA Releases Five Updates Involving MRCC, Electric Supplier Report, Electric Competition, and Two PURA Reviews
  • Link to the January 13th Energy and Technology Committee Meeting
  • Connecticut Legislative Provides Fourteen Bills of Interest

Regional and Industry Developments

U.S. Department of Energy Releases Second Installment of the Quadrennial Energy Review

On January 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released the second installment of its Quadrennial Energy Review (QER 1.2), examining an array of issues and trends affecting the electric system in North America, from bulk power generation to end user, out to 2040. The report, titled “Transforming the Nation’s Electricity System,” finds that the electric system is a critical and essential national asset and that it is a strategic imperative to protect and enhance the value of the system through modernization and transformation. The QER 1.2 conducts its analysis within the context of three overarching national goals: enhancing economic competitiveness, promoting environmental responsibility, and providing for the nation’s security. 

The report provides 76 recommendations for modernization and transformation that can serve as the building blocks for longer-term, planned changes and activities undertaken in conjunction with state and local governments, policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders.

CommonWealth Magazine Publishes Opinion Piece from ISO New England CEO on the State of the Region’s Electric Grid

On January 10, 2017, CommonWealth Magazine, a public policy-oriented quarterly publication in Massachusetts, published an opinion piece, titled “Grid in the Balance” by Gordon van Welie, ISO New England’s CEO, on the successes and concerns facing the region’s electric grid.

Nuclear Energy Institute Releases Analysis on the Economic Impacts of Millstone Nuclear Power Station

On January 12, 2017, the Nuclear Energy Institute released the results of a study titled, “Economic Impacts of the Millstone Power Station,” which analyzes the plant’s economic benefits today and over the next 15 years. According to the study, between 2016 and 2030, Millstone’s operation will generate more than $12 billion in economic benefits in Connecticut.

For more information, see the full report available here.

 

PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:

On January 10, 2017, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceedings, which may be of interest to you: 

On January 9, 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/

The following proposed bills may be of interest to our membership:

  • B. 5343:  AN ACT CONCERNING CLEAN ENERGY SOLUTIONS.AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRIORITY OF BENEFIT ASSESSMENT LIENS UNDER THE COMMERCIAL SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROGRAM. To implement clean energy solutions.
  • B. 5344: AN ACT CONCERNING SITING COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS. To keep the public updated on the status of projects.
  • B. 5345: AN ACT CONCERNING NOTICE PROVIDED BY THE SITING COUNCIL. To require the Siting Council to provide notice when projects have not been completed within three years.
  • B. 5368: AN ACT ALLOWING BUSINESSES THREE ATTEMPTS TO COMPLY WITH STATE REGULATIONS. To promote businesses by providing “three strikes” to comply with state regulations.
  • B. 5431: AN ACT CONCERNING THE LICENSING OF SOLAR ENERGY INSTALLERS. To establish uniform standards for solar energy installers.
  • B. 5491: AN ACT CONCERNING DEREGULATION OF THE NATURAL GAS MARKET. To allow natural gas customers to choose their natural gas supplier.
  • B. 5492: AN ACT CONCERNING A CITIZEN ADVISORY PANEL FOR ENERGY PROJECTS. To create a Citizen Advisory Panel for energy projects.
  • B. 5502: AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO DECIDE COMMERCIAL PROJECT APPLICATIONS WITHIN NINETY DAYS. To reduce delay in the issuing of decisions on commercial project applications.
  • B. 5506: AN ACT CONCERNING TAX CREDITS FOR ENERGY USE FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES. To provide energy incentives for certain businesses.
  • B. 5611: AN ACT CONCERNING REDUCING ENERGY COSTS FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES. To provide energy incentives for certain businesses for the time of start-up.
  • B. 55: AN ACT CONCERNING AN INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO CONVERT STREETLIGHTS TO SOLAR POWER. To create an incentive program for municipalities to convert streetlights to solar power to reduce street lighting electrical expenses in towns.
  • B. 78: AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITIES CREATING JOINT PURCHASING AGENCIES. To allow cooperative purchasing by municipal electric utilities.
  • B. 79: AN ACT REPEALING SECTIONS REGARDING MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVES. To repeal sections regarding municipal electric energy cooperatives.
  • B. 106: AN ACT CONCERNING ZERO-CARBON ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES AND ACHIEVING CONNECTICUT’S GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MANDATED LEVELS. To provide a mechanism for zero-carbon generating facilities to sell power to electric utilities.