Author Archives: Jennifer MacNeil

What’s Trending with Power System Loads, PV Resources, and Generator Emissions During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

RECORDING available to Members.  Please reach out to kdube@ctpower.org

Join Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) and Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) Energy Section on May 28th from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM as they jointly host this timely webinar and hear from leading experts about the latest data and insights from Connecticut DEEP and ISO New England on what’s trending with power system loads, PV resources, and generator emissions.

The current pandemic has resulted in significant shifts in the energy sector. As a result, there are many questions that we will explore, such as:
 
  • How is the region’s daily electric consumption changing?
  • How are PV resources affecting demands on the electric grid?
  • How are load forecasters responding to this dynamic situation? 
  • What can we learn from satellite imagery and other monitored data about emissions from a variety of sources during the COVID-19 shutdown?
 
Featured speakers:
 
  • Tracy Babbidge, Chief, Bureau of Air Management, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Mike Knowland, Manager, Forecast and Scheduling, ISO New England
 
This webinar is FREE for CPES and CBA members, registration is required. Information to access the webinar will be emailed directly to registrants.
 
CLE CREDITS:
CT: 1 CLE Credits* | NY: 0.0 CLE Credits**
 
Registration is being administered by the CT Power and Energy Society and credit will not be automatically posted to your CLE Tracker. Credit is self-reportable.
 

CPES Welcomes Erik Robie as New Board Member

The Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) welcomed Erik Robie, Director of Customer Programs and Products of AVANGRID, to the CPES Board on April 15.

“Erik’s responsibilities at AVANGRID include oversight of the Energy Efficiency Program which will provide mutually beneficial teaming opportunities for outreach and innovative technology programming,” said Michael Smalec, CPES Board Member.

“I’m grateful to be able to serve as a member of the CPES Board. 

As a career energy professional in Connecticut, CPES has always kept me informed and connected. I look forward to serving the members and advancing the CPES mission,”

–  Erik Robie

As the Director of Customer Programs and Products for AVANGRID Networks utilities in New York and New England, Erik is responsible for the delivery and management of the natural gas expansion and energy efficiency programs. Prior to joining AVANGRID, Erik was a Regional Manager for two of the largest fuel cell manufacturers in the world, United Technologies Corporation and Bloom Energy. Erik has over 20 years of domestic and international utility, sales and business development experience. His energy experience spans utility distribution systems as well as microgrids and distributed energy resources.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from the University of Hartford.

Printable Press Release

CPES Passport Program 2020 (on hold until 2021)

Travel with Connecticut Power and Energy Society through the dinner meetings, conferences, and networking opportunities on the books for 2020 and be eligible to win 4 tickets to a 2021 Hartford Yard Goats game plus $100 stadium cash to spend while you are there!

How to Play:

  • You must be a CPES member to participate.
  • You do NOT need to be a new energy professional to play. 
  • Members will receive one stamp per CPES event attended.
  • In order to qualify for a year-end prize, participants must attend at least two CPES events, two additional NEP events, and one CPES conference. 
  • Please email Kathryn Dube at KDube@ctpower.org to register.

 

 

2020 Annual Legislative Preview | February 24, 2020 | UCONN School of Law

WRAP UP:

CPES Convenes Annual Forum with Lawmakers
to Discuss Energy Policy


Legislators representing the leadership of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology (E&T) Committee shared their energy priorities for the 2020 legislative session on February 24th with members of the Connecticut Power and Energy Society and the Connecticut Bar Association’s Energy Section. State Sen. Norm Needleman and State Rep. David Arconti, both co-chairs of E&T, and State Rep. Charles Ferraro, ranking member of the committee, returned to CPES for the annual legislative preview, which is one of the year’s most highly rated events. Joe MacDougald, the executive director of UConn Law’s Center for Energy & Environmental Law, kicked off the event, which took place at the UCONN School of Law in Hartford.

The legislators said they look forward to building on the success of the last session where the state made a big commitment to offshore wind. This session, they said they plan to continue a focus on renewable energy, and in particular, how to turn Governor Ned Lamont’s vision – achieving a 100 percent zero carbon target for the electric sector by 2040 – into public policy in a reasonable way that takes into account the costs for ratepayers. [Gov. Lamont announced this vision in Executive Order No. 3 in September 2019.] The co-chairs said the committee takes on very complex issues and operates in a bipartisan manner.

Legislators covered a wide range of topics during the forum, including reducing carbon and making the electric grid more efficient. They discussed climate change, electric vehicles and charging stations, solar power, offshore wind, green jobs, and the important role of cities in attracting young people to stay in Connecticut. They noted that Connecticut is uniquely positioned to be a leader for the deployment of offshore wind, given that the state is home to two deep-water ports that do not have any overhead obstructions. They also discussed the rules for retail electricity supply in Connecticut, customer shutoffs, 5G technology, and the impact of rulings by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on wholesale markets in other regions and the potential impact to New England.

Legislators said “the clock” is one of the biggest challenges this session. They said the committee has a lot to do in a short amount of time. The legislative session began on February 5 and will adjourn May 6. E&T is planning public hearings beginning February 27. CPES members can track the committee’s activity on their website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/


This engaging and interactive discussion is a must-attend event for energy and government-relations professionals in Connecticut. You will learn first-hand about the top energy priorities for the 2020 legislative session and have opportunities for questions and answers with legislators.

CPES is once again partnering with the Connecticut Bar Association’s Energy Section to bring you the Annual Legislative Preview. The leaders of the Energy & Technology Committee will provide insight on their priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.

Moderated by:  Jennifer Galiette, Senior Counsel at Eversource Energy


REGISTER
AGENDA:
 
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking Dinner Reception
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Panel Discussion with Legislators

WHERE:
University of Connecticut School of Law, 55 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105;
William F. Starr Hall, second floor, Reading Room
UCONN School of Law MAP   |  Parking

CLE CREDITS:
CT: 1.5 CLE Credits*  |  NY: 0.0 CLE Credits*

*Registration is being administered by the CT Power and Energy Society and credit will not be automatically posted to your CLE Tracker. You may, however, self-report the credit. If you need assistance with self-reporting, please e-mail Shirley Perrin at sperrin@ctbar.org.