CPES Policy Committee Update: November 7

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.

In this Update: 

  • ISO New England Issues Power System Plan for New England
  • PURA Established a Docket Concerning the Application of Public Service Company of New Hampshire 
  • Governor Malloy signs the budget (SB 1502)

REGIONAL AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS
ISO NEW ENGLAND ISSUES POWER SYSTEM PLAN FOR NEW ENGLAND
On November 2, 2017, ISO New England issued its 2017 Regional System Plan, the biennial report that provides the foundation for long-term power-system planning in New England. The comprehensive report details power system needs for the next 10 years, through 2026, and how these needs can be addressed. The report discusses:

  • Forecasts of annual energy use and peak demand from 2017 to 2026
  • Strategic issues facing the region, including the integration of variable energy resources, such as wind generation and solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, resource retirements and additions, and fuel security risks
  • The need for resources, including generators and demand-side resources, to meet consumer demand for power and replace retiring power plants
  • How the region’s power system can continue to address reliability concerns by identifying areas of the grid where resource additions or transmission upgrades are needed
  • Coordination of New England’s planning process with those of neighboring regions

The full report is available here.  A press release with highlights from the report is available here.

CT PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS
On October 30, 2017, PURA established the following docket:

  • Docket No. 17-10-47Application of Public Service Company of New Hampshire for Findings Pursuant to 18 C.F.R. 366.7(a) and Section 32 (c) of the Public Utility Company Act of 1935 Regarding Exempt Wholesale Generator Status 

CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
On October 31, 2017, the Governor signed the budget (SB 1502) and line item vetoed the hospital tax language: