The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will discuss a proposed framework for a medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle charging network, continuing its efforts to build out an equitable, reliable EV Ecosystem infrastructure. The proposal recommends a modified “shared responsibility model,” building on the model used for light-duty EV rules issued last year. This model seeks to balance the roles of electric utilities and private investors, in order to minimize the financial impact to ratepayers. Other components of the framework include funding requirements, equitable access to all communities, and utility rate reforms to overcome barriers to mass infrastructure deployment. Legislation enacted in 2020 calls for least 330,000 EVs registered in New Jersey by the end of 2025 and at least 2 million by 2035. Additional meetings will be held on Sept. 17, 21, and 24. READ MORE

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is due to receive comments on new alternative programs for community shared solar programs, including those proposed by National Grid and Eversource Energy. The proposals are part of changes intended to reflect updated regulations to implement the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target, or SMART, program, a 3,200-megawatt declining block solar incentive program. The department established a two-phased schedule for the review, considering matters identified as necessary for compliance with the SMART Regulations in Phase I and other proposed changes in Phase II. 20-145

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is due to receive comments on a proposed rule, which would require statewide greenhouse gas reductions of 14.41 and 25.62 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030 and 2050, respectively. These targets are required to achieve the goals of 45 percent emissions reductions by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050, relative to 1990 levels. The statewide level of emissions in 1990 is 32.02 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Department staff will use the targets to document progress in emissions reductions in the biennial report to the legislature on the greenhouse gas inventory.

PJM Interconnection LLC is due to receive applications in response to its solicitation for potential offshore wind transmission solutions. The solicitation seeks options for interrelated components of an open access transmission solution including, upgrades to the existing grid; extension of the onshore transmission grid closer to offshore wind sites; and offshore substation interconnections to reap the benefits of a networked offshore grid. The move stems from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ request to integrate the state’s offshore wind policy objectives into the grid operator’s transmission planning through a competitive solicitation process. The initiative makes New Jersey the first state to align offshore wind policy with the regional grid operator’s transmission planning.

The Nevada Public Utilities Commission will consider Southwest Gas Corporation’s application for authority to purchase renewable natural gas, or RNG, to be included in its supply portfolio. The company filed an amended application in May, which includes a request for the RNG activity to participate in state and federal renewable energy programs and provides information regarding how RNG purchases would cut emissions. The request is in accordance with 2019 legislation, which requires at least 3 percent of the company’s total retail gas sales by 2035 to be derived from RNG. Upon incorporation into its supply portfolio, Southwest’s customers would receive a combination of RNG and conventional natural gas. 21-01015

The Iowa Utilities Board will consider Black Hills Energy’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to gas services. The company is seeking an increase in annual revenue of approximately $10.544 million, or 17 percent, and a return on equity of 10.15 percent. In July, the commission acknowledged a temporary rate increase of approximately $5.3 million, or 8.6 percent, that took effect on June 11, 2021, subject to refund with interest, if the commission determines that the rates collected are higher than the final rates approved or were not based on previously established regulatory principles. The company proposes that the final rates take effect on April 1, 2022. In Black Hills’ last general rate case, approved in 2011, the commission authorized a $3.4 million, or 2.1 percent, increase.