The New York State Public Service Commission is scheduled to receive comments on Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc.’s proposal for a $485 million hike in electric distribution revenues, which would boost customer bills 8.6 percent per year, and a $210 million raise in gas delivery revenues, which would lead to 14.5 percent gain. 19-E-0065

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will host an initial meeting for working groups to discuss measures that promote and protect consumer interests in the retail electric competitive supply market. The study, which started in January, will examine ways to increase customer awareness, improve the department’s ability to investigate dubious practices by suppliers and other means that would improve the operational efficiency of the market. About half a million residents in the state receive their electricity from a competitive supplier. READ MORE

Virginia’s emission trading regulation will go into effect. The Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board approved on April 19 a regulation to cap carbon emissions from large fossil fuel-fired power plants, starting in 2020, ensuring that the state is “trading-ready” to participate in the the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the multi-state carbon market. However, Democratic Governor Ralph Northam signed a budget bill earlier last month that restricts the commonwealth’s ability to participate in RGGI, contrary to hopes that he would veto the language.

The California Public Utilities Commission will likely vote on an administrative law judge’s proposed ruling that would adopt a methodology for conducting a financial “stress test” mandated under last year’s SB 901. The methodology considers a utility’s financial status and determines the maximum amount the company can pay for 2017 catastrophic wildfire costs without harming ratepayers or jeopardizing the company’s ability to function. This would not apply to Pacific Gas and Electric, however as it exempts utilities that have filed for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

The California Independent System Operator will continue its discussion of energy storage and distributed resources. Stakeholder input is being used to develop a plan that will enhance the ability of distributed resources, like rooftop solar, demand response and electric vehicles, to participate in the wholesale market. The grid operator is currently in phase 4 of the discussion, the final stage which will explore refinements to the participation models.

The Michigan Public Service Commission is scheduled to receive a response from Consumers Energy Co. following a probe for violating safety practices in the state. The regulator found that the company did not act in a timely manner to mark natural gas and electrical lines after receiving notices of excavation plans in over 20,000 instances. The company must now show cause why it should not be found in violation of Act 174 of 2013, which requires facility owners or operators to respond to a dig request before a project commences. READ MORE