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 Dockets on PURPA Regulations and Standards for Distributed Generation
- Climate Change Focus of MA Governor’s Order
- Looking Ahead to the Next Legislative Session – Schedules and Key Links
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY NEW DOCKETS:
On September 22, 2016, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you:
- Docket No. 16-09-26: PURA Review of Connecticut PURPA Regulations (http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/(Web+Main+View/All+Dockets)?OpenView&StartKey=16-09-26)
On September 28, 2016, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority initiated the following proceeding, which may be of interest to you:
- Docket No. 03-01-15RE03: DPUC Investigation into the Need For Interconnection Standards for Distributed Generation – Revisions to Guidelines for Residential Certified Inverters of 20 Kilowatts or Less (http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/(Web+Main+View/All+Dockets)?OpenView&StartKey=03-01-15RE03)
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Signs Climate Change Strategy Executive Order
On September 16, 2016, Governor Charlie Baker signed an Executive Order directing executive offices and state agencies to make coordinated efforts to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth. The Order, Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth, directs the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to continue to consult the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) Implementation Advisory Committee for advice on greenhouse gas emission reduction measures, including recommendations on establishing statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits for 2030 and 2040. The Order also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate final regulations that ensure the Commonwealth meets the 2020 statewide emissions limit mandated by the GWSA.
For more information, visit http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/gov-baker-signs-climate-change-strategy-executive-order.html.
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.