Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC New England Renewable Energy ‘Eyes & Ears’ Digest #48 December 30, 2014 Terms & Conditions Eyes & Ears Service is provided to the Subscriber for the Subscriber’s internal use only, and may be distributed to employees, officers and directors of Subscriber or Authorized Affiliate who have been made aware of the Limitations on Use under the Subscription Agreement. Subscriber agrees not to distribute materials received under the Eyes & Ears Service, whether by written, oral or electronic means, to any other person, including consultants engaged by Subscriber, except with specific written permission from SEA or as required by applicable law, regulatory proceeding or exchange rule. Subscriber is subject to additional terms and conditions stated in the Subscription Agreement.
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Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC
New England
Renewable Energy
‘Eyes & Ears’ Digest #48
December 30, 2014
Terms & Conditions Eyes & Ears Service is provided to the Subscriber for the Subscriber’s internal use only, and may be distributed to employees, officers and directors of Subscriber or Authorized Affiliate who have been made aware of the Limitations on Use under the Subscription Agreement. Subscriber agrees not to distribute materials received under the Eyes & Ears Service, whether by written, oral or electronic means, to any other person, including consultants engaged by Subscriber, except with specific written permission from SEA or as required by applicable law, regulatory proceeding or exchange rule. Subscriber is subject to additional terms and conditions stated in the Subscription Agreement.
New England Renewable Energy ‘Eyes & Ears’ Digest Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC Digest #48 – Tuesday, December 30, 2014
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Top Stories in this Update… Other Featured Topics…
Massachusetts Net Metering and Solar Task Force Initiates Study Process Pursuant to Chapter 251; Will Receive Comments from Public on January 6
Massachusetts DEP Releases Comments on Clean Energy Standard Regulations Discussion Draft
Massachusetts Governor-Elect Baker Names State Representative Matt Beaton as His Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Massachusetts DPU Terminates NSTAR Green Program; Finds NSTAR Meets Requirements for Competitive Retail Access
Massachusetts: CLF and Mass Energy File Complaint in Superior Court Over DEP Failure to Promulgate GHG Regulations Required by Global Warming Solutions Act
Massachusetts: BOEM Offshore Wind Auction Postponed to Late January 2015
Massachusetts: Cape Wind Will Not Close Financing in 2014; Delay in Construction May Affect Ability to Meet "Physical Installation" Milestone in National Grid and NSTAR PPAs
Connecticut: District Court Rules Allco has No Standing to Challenge DEEP Decision under PA 13-303 Section 6, and that Section 6 Procurement is not Invalid under FPA
Connecticut DEEP Finally Issues 2014 Draft IRP and Seeks Comments; Proposes not to Phase-Down Biomass and LFG REC Values for the Next Three Years; Procurement Plans Also Discussed
Connecticut Governor Malloy to Expand Residential Solar Investment Program by Ten Times
Rhode Island OER and DG Board Continues Discussion on Ceiling Prices, MW Allocation and Tariff Development for 2015 REG
Rhode Island PUC Makes Partial Ruling on Interconnection Dispute between WED and National Grid
Maine PUC Issues Second Maine Value of Solar Methodology Draft after Reviewing Stakeholder Comments; PUC Requests Data from T&D Utilities in Value of Solar Proceeding
Maine PUC and OPA Release New Materials in Northern Maine Reliability Proceeding; ReEnergy Withdraws Biomass Proposals
Maine PUC Selects Two Wind Projects under Long-Term Contract RFP
Maine: Verso Paper Plans to Sell Bucksport Paper Mill and Associated Power Generation Facilities to Scrap Metal and Recycling Company; Fate of Biomass Facility Remains Unclear
Vermont PSD Issues Report to Legislature Considering Adoption of Mandatory RPS
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Vermont PSD Issues Total Energy Study Evaluating Effectiveness of Revenue-Neutral Carbon Tax and RPS Policies in Achieving Renewable Energy and GHG Goals
New Hampshire SEC Issues Draft Rules on Energy Facilities Siting Administrative Rulemaking
New Hampshire: Antrim Wind Applies to NH SEC to Again Take Jurisdiction Over New Project Proposal
FERC Grants CT and RI Regulators and Public System Representatives Request Re-Hearing of FCM Performance Incentive Order
ISO-NE Issues Final 2014 Regional System Plan
ISO-NE and NEPOOL MC Continue to Discuss Evolving Proposals on Zonal Sloped Demand Curves
NY RPS Main-Tier RFP Awards Announced: Two Wind and Two Hydroelectric Projects Selected
Feds Adopt “Three-Week Extension” of PTC; Wind Industry Will Continue to Push in 2015 for a Long-Term Extension
National Grid Joins Green Line Infrastructure Alliance
SunEdison and TerraForm Power Acquire First Wind for $2.4 Billion
MIT Review Finds No Direct Correlation between Wind Turbines and Human Health Problems
MASSACHUSETTS
Net Metering and Solar Task Force Initiates Study Process Pursuant to Chapter 251; Will Receive Comments from Public on January 6
o First Net Metering Task Force Meeting Focuses on Realigning Framework with Legislation, Finalizing Consulting Scope
o Net Metering and Solar Task Force Holds 2nd Meeting to Review Study Work Plan; DPU Projects When Net Metering Caps will be Filled
o Net Metering and Solar Task Force to Receive Public Comments at January 6, 2015 3rd Meeting
DPU Issues Grid Modernization Business Case Filing Requirement
DPU Adopts Basic Service Time-Varying Rates Policy Framework; Denies Three Parties' Petitions for Reconsideration
DOER Publishes Comments on Final Design of Residential Solar Loan Program
NECEC, SEBANE, SEIA and Vote Solar Form Mass Solar Coalition to Work with Legislature on Solar and Net Metering Issues
CLF and Mass Energy File Complaint in Superior Court Over DEP Failure to Promulgate GHG Regulations Required by Global Warming Solutions Act
Paragon Holdings Petitions to Transfer ACA Reservation Fee from Initial Reservation to Updated Reservation
DPU Grants Syncarpha's Petition for Limited Exception from Single Parcel Requirement for Net Metering Qualification
MassCEC Selects Mass Energy for Solar Connect Non-Profit Group RFP; Issues RFPs for Solar Connect Outreach Consultant and Solar Installers
MassCEC Invites Applications for Organics-to-Energy Program
MassCEC Announces Selected Communities for 2015 Solarize Mass; Seeks Proposals from Solar Installers
BOEM Offshore Wind Auction Postponed to Late January 2015
Town of Barnstable and Cape Wind Opponents File Appeal in First Circuit Against Cape Wind, NSTAR, and DPU; Plaintiffs and Defendants File Briefs in August, October, and November Outlining Arguments
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Cape Wind Opponents Plan to Appeal Decision Regarding Permitting Federal Approvals and MA EFSB Decision on NSTAR Switching Station
Mass CEC Reports Construction of Staging Area for Cape Wind is $10 Million Over Budget
Cape Wind Will Not Close Financing in 2014; Delay in Construction May Affect Ability to Meet "Physical Installation" Milestone in National Grid and NSTAR PPAs
National Grid Selects 16 MW of Solar Projects under Solar Program Phase II
SunEdison Announces Solar PPAs, Totaling 39.5 MW of Capacity, with 16 Public Housing Authorities
Kingston Board of Health Tables Proposed Shadow-Flicker Regulations
Appellate Tax Board Publishes Decision Finding Some Virtually Net-Metered Systems Should Receive Property Tax Exemption
Dennis-Yarmouth School District Signs Power Purchasing Agreement for 3-MW of Solar Projects
Brewster Enters into Agreement with CVEC for Net Metering Credits from Future Generation Wind Project in Plymouth
Altus Power Signs Long-Term Purchasing Agreement with Belchertown for NM Credits Generated from Company's Solar Projects
Clean Energy Collective to Build Community Solar Project in Adams
NSTAR Issues RFP Seeking Certificates for Meeting MA RPS and APS Compliance Obligation
WMECO Issues RFB to Purchase and Sell MA SRECs
DOER Hosts Webinar on Solar PV Safety and Permitting Training
Environmental Massachusetts Issues Report on Solar Growth
NSTAR Hosts Interconnection and Net Metering Seminar
CONNECTICUT:
District Court Rules Allco has No Standing to Challenge DEEP Decision under PA 13-303 Section 6, and that Section 6 Procurement is not Invalid under FPA
DEEP Finally Issues 2014 Draft IRP and Seeks Comments; Proposes not to Phase-Down Biomass and LFG REC Values for the Next Three Years; Procurement Plans Also Discussed
PURA Issues Final Virtual Net Metering Decision Removing Virtual Netting Protocol
EDCs Provide Status Updates Regarding Year 3 LREC/ZREC Procurement, Limited Reopening of RFP and Small ZREC Tariff
o CL&P and UI Provide Update on Year 3 LREC/ZREC RFP
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o CL&P Files Supplements to Interim Procurement Plan for Year 3 LREC/ZREC Solicitation; Delays Submission of Individual LREC/ZREC Bid Report due to Reopening of Year 3 RFP
o CL&P Motions PURA to Allow Both EDCs' Small ZREC Tariff to Launch on the Same Date; to Hold Year 3 Small ZREC Program Webinar for Applicants with UI
CL&P and UI Issue RFI to Seek Stakeholder Input on Improving LREC/ZREC Program
Governor Malloy to Expand Residential Solar Investment Program by Ten Times
PURA Issues Decision on CL&P Rate Case: Proposed Increase Fixed Monthly Service Fee to Residential Customers is Adjusted Downward
Renewable Industry Stakeholders Discuss Electricity Rate Design in Response to CL&P's Fixed Charge Hike
PURA Considers Definition of Class III Sources Under PA 13-303; Denies Petition to Include All Demand-Side Management Projects in Class III in Final Decision
Connecticut Green Bank and EnergySage Announce Partnership to Support CT's Residential Solar Initiatives
Connecticut Green Bank Holds Webinars on Residential Solar Incentive Program, Approves New Incentive Levels including a Blended Rate for Oversized Systems
Solarize CT Reaches 14 MW PV Installation
CSC Grants UI's Petition for Declaratory Ruling in Bridgeport Solar/Fuel-Cell Project Proceeding
PURA Approves Plainfield Biomass Request of an 18-Month No-Fuel-Use-Restriction Trial Period
PURA Requests Comments on Submetering for On-Site Generation
UIL Holdings to Develop Fuel Cell Generation Facility at Glastonbury Station
CT Green Bank to Host Webinar on Solar Customer Segmentation
CPES and CT Bar Association to Host Legislative Update Dinner Meeting
OER and DG Board Continues Discussion on Ceiling Prices, MW Allocation and Tariff Development for 2015 REG
o DG Board Approves Final Recommendations Regarding Ceiling Prices for 2015 REG
o DG Board Approves OER's Recommended MW Allocation Plan
o National Grid Submits Tariff Proposal for 2015 REG to PUC
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o Wind Energy Development Files Motion to Intervene in National Grid REG Tariff Proposal
National Grid Files Long-Term Contracting for Renewable Recovery Factor
PUC Makes Partial Ruling on Interconnection Dispute between WED and National Grid
PUC Approves Troy Mills Hydro Application for Certification
Portsmouth Town Council Approves Agreement with WED to Replace Wind Turbine
Deepwater Wind Receives Right-of-Way Grant from BOEM; CRMC Approves Underground Transmission Cables for the Wind Farm Project; Selects GIF to Fabricate Foundations for Block Island Wind Farm
Patriot Renewables Seeks RI RES Qualification for Saddleback Ridge Wind Project
Commerce Corp. Issues REF Grants to Six Solar Projects
MAINE:
PUC Issues Second Maine Value of Solar Methodology Draft after Reviewing Stakeholder Comments; PUC Requests Data from T&D Utilities in Value of Solar Proceeding
PUC and OPA Release New Materials in Northern Maine Reliability Proceeding; ReEnergy Withdraws Biomass Proposals
o PUC and OPA Release New Materials, Including NTA Study, in Northern Maine Reliability Proceeding
o ReEnergy Withdraws Ashland and Fort Fairfield Biomass Proposals After Refusing to Provide Highly Confidential Data
PUC Investigates Emera's Sale Back of Membership Interest in Northeast Wind to First Wind
PUC Suspends Comment Request Regarding Joint Venture Conditions Due to Emera's Sale Back of Membership Interest
PUC Selects Two Wind Projects under Long-Term Contract RFP
Verso Paper Plans to Sell Bucksport Paper Mill and Associated Power Generation Facilities to Scrap Metal and Recycling Company; Fate of Biomass Facility Remains Unclear
Eastbrook Residents Vote to Allow Taller Turbines for Weaver Wind Project
BEP Denies Appeal of Canton Mountain Wind Permit
PUC Grants Pisgah Mountain Wind's Request to Extend In-Service Date Termination Milestone for Certification as a Community-Based Renewable Energy Project
EDPR Expects to File Permit Application for Number Nine Wind Farm in Near Future
Orland Citizens Group Requests Wind Turbine Moratorium
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Emera Requests Approval of Interconnection Feasibility Study Agreements for King Pine
Wind; HWC and King Pine Wind LLC intervene in Proceeding
Maine SJC Hears Arguments Related to Fox Island Wind Noise Complaint Appeal
Somerset County to Vote on TIF and Community Benefit Agreement for Bingham Wind
Project
VERMONT:
PSD Issues Report to Legislature Considering Adoption of Mandatory RPS
PSB Continues Investigation on Avoided Cost Caps for SPEED 2014 Standard Offer Program
o Stakeholders Submit Comments on SPEED Standard Offer Program Avoided Cost Caps Developed by Working Group
o Farm Methane Working Group Develops Cost Models for 2015 SPEED Avoided Costs Price Caps
o REV and PSD File Avoided-Cost Price Cap Proposals for Non-Farm Anaerobic Digestion; PSB Requests Comment on New Non-Farm Anaerobic Digestion Category
Vermont Public Service Board Issues Order on VPPSA Motion for Reconsideration of their Application to the Standard Offer RFP
PSD Issues Total Energy Study Evaluating Effectiveness of Revenue-Neutral Carbon Tax and RPS Policies in Achieving Renewable Energy and GHG Goals
Several Parties Submit Comments to PSB Regarding Wind Power Sound Standards Investigation
GMP Sponsors Program to help Non-Profits Develop Solar Facilities
Winhall Citizens Voice Concern Regarding Proposed Solar Project
New Haven Selectboard Votes Against Two Solar Projects
Bennington Residents Concerned Solar Project May Affect Well Water, Tourism
PSD Clean Energy Development Fund Issues RFP for Wood Pellet Heating Program
TDI Files Permit Application with PSB to Construct and Operate NECP Link
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
NHSEA, Policy Advocates and Legislators to Introduce Solar Bill in 2015 Session
PUC Staff Recommends Incentive and Requirement Changes to C&I Solar Rebate Program; Invites Stakeholder Comments
PUC Adopts Final Rules for Class I Thermal RPS and Other RPS Changes
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OLS Comments on PUC's Final Proposed Group Net Metering Rules
SEC Issues Draft Rules on Energy Facilities Siting Administrative Rulemaking
New Hampshire Executive Council Confirms Two Nominations to SEC; Governor Hassan Makes Third Nomination
PUC Gives Updates on Energy Programs and FERC Decision Related to Demand Response and RTO at October 16 EESE Board Meeting; December 19 Meeting Cancelled
OEP Holds Second Stakeholder Session on Reducing Costs Related to Residential Permitting and Zoning for Solar Under Rooftop Solar Challenge
PSNH Issues RFP for RECs to Satisfy RPS Obligation
Town of Milton Moves Forward with Solar Garden
City of Berlin Approves PILOT and Decommissioning Agreements with Jericho Power for Jericho Mountain Wind Project
EDP Renewables Submits Application to FAA for Spruce Ridge Wind Farm Met Tower
Antrim Wind Applies to NH SEC to Again Take Jurisdiction Over New Project Proposal
FERC Exempts City of Berlin's Ammonoosuc Water Treatment Plant Hydro Project from Licensing Requirement Under 2013 Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act
SEC Order Finds that Granite Reliable Safety Plan is Not Subject to Disclosure
Coos County Officials Critical of Recently-Disclosed Confidential Agreement between Millsfield Property Owners and Granite Reliable Power over Possible Property Tax Increases
Derry Seeks Proposals for Land-Lease to Install Solar Systems at Town's Landfill
ISO NEW ENGLAND, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS:
FERC Grants CT and RI Regulators and Public System Representatives Request Re-Hearing of FCM Performance Incentive Order
ISO-NE Issues Final 2014 Regional System Plan
ISO-NE and NEPOOL MC Continue to Discuss Evolving Proposals on Zonal Sloped Demand Curves
NEPOOL MC and PC Approve ORTP Exemption for Distributed RE Technologies
ISO Updates its Proposed Rules for Real-Time Do-Not-Exceed Dispatch of Intermittent Resources
ISO-NE Discusses on Winter Reliability Solutions for 2015-2016 and Future Winters at MC Meeting
NESCOE Proposes ICR Calculation Reflecting Solar DG Forecast and Pay-for-Performance Rules
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ISO Addresses FCM Market Power Mitigation for Imports
ISO Proposes Project to Create Interconnection Process for Elective Transmission Upgrades
Distributed Generation Forecast Working Group December Meeting Addresses State DG Policies, Economic Drivers of PV, and Utility PV Penetration Data
VRWG Cancels December 4 Meeting Due to Schedule Conflicts
TransCanada Disputes Property Tax Valuation of Two Hydro Stations: New Hampshire Towns Have Settled while Vermont Towns Continue to Negotiate
NY PSC Seeks Comments on Clean Energy Fund Proposal; Considers Extending Main Tier RPS through 2016 to Allow Sufficient Time for Development of New Approaches Thereafter
NY RPS Main-Tier RFP Awards Announced: Two Wind and Two Hydroelectric Projects Selected
NY PSC Increases Utility Net Metering Caps from 3% to 6%; To Study Value of Distributed Generation
LIPA Selects 122 MW of Solar Projects under Long-Term Contract RFP; Deepwater ONE Proposal Not Selected
FERC Issues Opinion in ROE Proceeding Adjusting Base ROE Rate; TOs File Request for Rehearing
Feds Adopt “Three-Week Extension” of PTC; Wind Industry Will Continue to Push in 2015 for a Long-Term Extension
TDI New England Files Construction Permit for New England Clean Power Link Project
National Grid Joins Green Line Infrastructure Alliance
U.S. International Trade Commission Increases Anti-Dumping Duties on Solar Modules from China and Taiwan
RGGI Issues 26th Auction Results
SunEdison and TerraForm Power Acquire First Wind for $2.4 Billion
2014 IREC/Vote Solar “Freeing the Grid” Report on Net Metering and Interconnection Best Practices Released
Department of Energy’s WINDExchange Holds Offshore Wind Webinar
MIT Review Finds No Direct Correlation between Wind Turbines and Human Health Problems
LBNL Issues Report on Solar Price Variability; Held Webinar on December 15
NECA to Host Dinner Meeting on Cross-Border Energy Projects
CESA to Host Webinar on Rate Design Approaches to DG Solar
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MASSACHUSETTS
Net Metering and Solar Task Force Initiates Study Process Pursuant to Chapter 251; Will Receive Comments from Public on January 6 (KEYWORDS: Net Metering, DG, Solar, RPS, Planning, Rates) New E&E Content
As described in Digest 46, Chapter 251 (enacted in August 2014 pursuant to HB 4185), among a series of net-metering- and renewable-thermal- related provisions, orders the establishment of a Net Metering Task Force to review the "long-term viability of net metering in the commonwealth and develop recommendations on incentives and programs that will support the deployment of 1600 MW of solar generation facilities" in Massachusetts. It requires that the Task Force file any recommendations for legislative or regulatory reforms with the legislature, by no later than March 31, 2015. A detailed summary of Chapter 251 is available in Digest 46. Task Force members include:
The Task Force selected a consulting team consisting of Peregrine Energy Group (prime contractor), in conjunction with Sustainable Energy Advantage (serving as project manager), Meister Consultants Group, and
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La Capra Associates, as the Task Force's consultant to aid the review process. The consulting team has contracted with the Department of Energy Resources and reports to DOER, but is guided by the Task Force. The proposed study timeline (based on the consultants' December 15 presentation summarized below) is as follows:
Here we provide a status update of the study process to date.
CONNECTICUT District Court Rules Allco has No Standing to Challenge DEEP Decision under PA 13-303 Section 6, and that Section 6 Procurement is not Invalid under FPA (KEYWORDS: Institutional, Litigation, RPS, Utility Procurement, LT Contracts) No Modifications/Last Updated: Flash 47.6
As reported in Digest 41, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) selected EDP Renewables North America LLC's 250 MW Number Nine Wind Farm and Helio Sage Energy LLC's 20 MW Fusion Solar Center for the Class I Renewable Energy Request for Proposals under Section 6 of Public Act 13-303. In October 2013, Allco Renewable Energy filed a Petition for Reconsideration with PURA, asking PURA to deny the Number Nine PPA. The petition was denied.
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On December 18, 2013, Allco, following the precedent of court decisions in Maryland and New Jersey pertaining to state violations under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause (see Digest 42, 45, 46), filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court (Connecticut District) against DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty (now Robert Klee) for violations of the Federal Power Act (FPA), the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions' regulations. In its complaint, Allco argues that only FERC may establish wholesale rates and regulate the wholesale market. Under FERC's regulations, utilities can enter into contracts to purchase power from QFs at the utility's full avoided costs. The size of a QF is capped at 80 MW. Hence, the 250 MW Number Nine project is not a QF. Filings and transcripts related to the case are available online, through the Federal PACER website under docket number 3:13-cv-01874. (See Digests 43 & 46 for a discussion of the proceedings).
On December 10, 2014 the District Court dismissed Allco's Lawsuit on two grounds, directly comparing facts of the lawsuit to those present in the Maryland and New Jersey cases, mentioned above:
1. Allco Lacks Standing to Challenge DEEP's actions
The Court first determined that Allco lacked standing to challenge DEEP's actions. Specifically, the Court found that the FPA does include disappointed bidders within the "zone of interest" of the statute and that denial of a contract in a bidding process does not create sufficient injury under the FPA (foreclosing standing). The Court also found that Allco's injury, even if it were sufficient, is not redress-able by judicial action, as there is no guarantee under the terms of Section 6 that Allco's project would have been selected if Number Nine was not.
The Court also explicitly distinguished the current case from the matter at issue in the Maryland case PPL Energyplus v. Solomon (discussed in Digests 42 and 46), stating that there the claimants, as existing generators and utilities, had a concrete injury resulting from the depression of wholesale prices by state action, which would "cost [them] millions of dollars," giving them standing under the FPA.
2. Connecticut's Section 6 Bidding Process is Not Preempted by the FPA
Even though the Court found that Allco did not have standing to pursue the claim (thus effectively dismissing the lawsuit), the Court also discussed the substance of Allco's claim, finding that Section 6, although it has an effect on wholesale rates, is not preempted by the FPA.
Specifically, the court determined that, because the price/rate was offered by the bidder (as opposed to being set by DEEP), because DEEP had no ability to alter the price, and because any bidder could decide to not go through with the proposal after being selected, that the Section 6 program was not interfering with FERC jurisdiction over wholesale markets. Therefore, Section 6 is not an attempt to 'set' or 'fix' wholesale prices, and is not preempted.
The court found the mechanism by which final prices are set dispositive, again distinguishing the current case from PPL Energyplus v. Nazarian and PPL Energyplus v. Solomon. In those cases, the district court stated that, because the mechanism used (bidders received a standard rate equal to difference between revenue requirements and actual sales receipts) effectively set rates and was ordered by state law, that these laws were preempted by the FPA and were invalid.
It is unknown if Allco will appeal the decision to the First Circuit.
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RHODE ISLAND OER and DG Board Continues Discussion on Ceiling Prices, MW Allocation and Tariff Development for 2015 REG (KEYWORDS: DG, Solar, Wind, Net Metering, Hydro, Anaerobic Digestion, Interconnection, LT Contracts, Utility Procurement) New E&E Content
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and Distributed Generation Contracts Board held meetings on September 22, October 20, November 10, 17, 20 and December 9 and 15, 2014 to discuss and provide updates on the development of the 2015 Renewable Energy Growth program. The meetings focused on three primary issues surrounding the 2015 REG Program:
� Ceiling Prices � Capacity Allocation � Tariff Development
Contributors: Bob Grace, Jason Gifford, Tom Michelman, Deborah Donovan, Po-Yu Yuen, Jim Kennerly,
Nicole Hamilton, Cara Goodman and Jordan Shoesmith
Dear Eyes and Ears Subscribers: Flash 48.3 Week Ending January 16, 2015
Time sensitive articles are identified with the following icon:
Contents
Massachusetts
DPU Requests Public Comments on IOUs' Petitions to Reduce Capacity of Bingham Wind Farm in Section
83A PPA
Clean Energy Standard Hearing Schedule Change
Key Members of Governor Baker’s Energy Policy Team Announced
MA Land Court Sides with Residents, Says 2.4-MW Hatfield Solar Violates Zoning Bylaw
In Light of Uncertainty Surrounding Cape Wind Project, “Massachusetts Wind Energy Area” May Play
More Central Role in Offshore Wind Development
Despite Uncertainty Surrounding Cape Wind Project, Officials Remain Confident in Future of Marine
Commerce Terminal in New Bedford
Scituate Wind Turbine Unlikely to Reach Minimum Production Requirement for Operational Year
EBC Event to Feature Keynote Presentation by DEP Commissioner Suuberg on Baker Administration's
Environmental and Energy Agenda
Connecticut
PURA Delays Issuance of Draft Double Counting Decision; GMP Contests Admission of Materials Related
to Deceptive Trade Practices in Proceeding
PURA Issues Draft Decision on 2012 RPS Compliance
PURA Approves UI and CL&P's Year 3 LREC/ZREC Final Procurement Plans
PURA Grants Amgraph One-Time Extension to LREC Contract Delivery Term Start Date; CL&P Motions
for Reconsideration of Ruling
PURA Solicits Comments on On-Site Submetering
Rhode Island
DG Board to Hold Meeting on January 20 to Provide Updates on Various Topics
Block Island Wind Opponents File Comments Prior to PUC Open Meeting
OER Solicits Applications for Renewable Energy Projects at RI Schools
Maine
PUC Selects 99-MW Weaver Wind Project and 44-MW Highland Wind Project under Long-Term Contract
RFP
Governor LePage Nominates Carlisle McLean as New PUC Commissioner; Commissioner Vannoy to
Succeed Commissioner Welch as PUC Chair
PUC Accepts Comments on Value of Solar Methodology Second Draft; CMP and Emera Maine File Load
and Solar Data
OPA Files Comments Assessing Proposals in Northern Maine System Reliability Proceeding
Franklin County Commissioners Briefed on Possible Changes to Kibby TIF Agreement under an
Amendment; Stakeholders Meeting to Solicit Input to be Held on January 27, 2015
Town of Orland Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Wind Turbine Moratorium in Advance of January 20
Vote
Vermont
Governor Shumlin Discusses Vermont RPS, Net Metering and Other Clean Energy and Environment Issues
in Inaugural Address
Utilities File Revised Net Metering Tariffs to Reflect Rate Changes Pursuant to Act 99; PSB to Initiate
Stakeholder Process in Preparation for 2016 Net Metering Rulemaking
Eyes & Ears Terms and Conditions Eyes & Ears Service is provided to the Subscriber for the Subscriber’s internal use only, and may be distributed to employees, officers and directors of Subscriber or Authorized Affiliate who have been made aware of the Limitations on Use under the Subscription Agreement. Subscriber agrees not to distribute materials received under the Eyes & Ears Service, whether by written, oral or electronic means, to any other person, including consultants engaged by Subscriber, except with specific written permission from SEA or as required by applicable law, regulatory proceeding or exchange rule. Subscriber is subject to additional terms and conditions stated in the Subscription Agreement.
Headlines
Time sensitive articles are identified with the following icon:
Massachusetts
DPU Requests Public Comments on IOUs' Petitions to Reduce Capacity of
Bingham Wind Farm in Section 83A PPA
As last discussed in Digest 48, the states' four investor-owned utilities, on December 19, 2014,
filed notices with the Department of Public Utilities seeking approval of an amendment to their
Power Purchase Agreements with Blue Sky West, LLC (a subsidiary of First Wind, LLC)
executed pursuant to Section 83A of the Green Communities Act. The amendment would reduce
the capacity of the Bingham Wind project from 186 MW to 184.8 MW as a result of First Wind's
decision to switch the turbines proposed for the project. On January 12, 2015, the DPU issued
orders of notice under Dockets 14-155, -156, -157 and -158 informing stakeholders of the filings.
ISO New England & Regional Developments
FERC Issues Order Accepting ISO-NE's Proposed ICR Values for FCA9; Directs ISO-NE to Consider DG
and Solar PV Forecasts in ICR Calculations for Future Auctions
RGGI states will be holding the 27th auction on March 11, 2015. A total of 15,272,670 CO2
allowances will be offered in this auction round. The reserve price will be $2.05 per CO2
allowance. The states will be accepting Qualification Application and Intent to Bid until January
28. All auction materials can be found on RGGI's website.
LBNL Issues Report on Sales Premiums for PV Homes
On January 13, 2015, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory issued a report quantifying the
sales premiums for homes equipped with host-owned solar PV systems. The report examined
home sales data in eight states, including Massachusetts and New York, and concluded that
homebuyers are willing to pay more for properties with host-owned PV systems. The report
observed a "green cachet" pattern, where buyers are willing to pay a certain amount for having
any size of PV systems on their homes and an incremental amount depending on the size of the
systems. Further, the report noted that PV premiums stay relatively constant despite significant
decline in PV gross costs over the study period. This study did not look at non-host-owned PV
homes, such as properties with leased PV systems. Regards, Bob Grace
Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC 161 Worcester Road, Suite 503 Framingham, MA 01701
********************************************************** Robert C. Grace – President and Managing Director Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC Tel 508.665.5855 Fax 508.665.5858 mobile 617.803.8900 [email protected] www.seadvantage.com **********************************************************