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week of Jan. 12, 2023

The EnerKnol Week Ahead is back to give you the key energy policy events happening next week, all powered by the EnerKnol Platform. Coming up, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management reviews Empire Wind's proposed wind projects offshore New York, California discusses a $30 million incentive program for installing fast chargers; California and Québec are due to receive applications for their 34th joint auction of greenhouse gas allowances.

Featured Entities


BLM

BOEM

California EC

CARB

Connecticut PURA

Minnesota PUC

New York PSC

Federal Agencies

Tuesday,
January 17
BOEM Review of Empire Wind’s Offshore Projects

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is due to receive comments on the draft environmental impact statement for Empire Offshore Wind LLC’s proposal to construct two wind energy facilities offshore New York. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority selected the 816-megawatt Empire Wind 1 Project in July 2019 and the 1,260-megawatt Empire Wind 2 Project in January 2021 to develop offshore wind farms. The projects would contribute to New York’s goal of 9 gigawatts of offshore wind energy generation by 2035, as outlined in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Project Act.

Tuesday,
January 17
BLM 700 MW Jove Solar Project

The Bureau of Land Management will hold a meeting to discuss 174 Power Global’s proposal to construct and operate the Jove Solar Project, a 600-megawatt alternating current solar power project with a potential battery storage facility in La Paz county, Arizona. The company has applied for a right-of-way grant to provide land and access for the project proposed on a solar variance area of about 3,495 acres. The project would connect into the regional transmission system via the planned and approved Cielo Azul 500-kilovolt switching station and Ten West Link 500-kV transmission line.

Wednesday,
January 18
BLM Western Solar Plan Update Proposal

The Bureau of Land Management will hold a virtual meeting to discuss an update to its 2012 Western Solar Plan, which guides responsible solar energy development on public lands. The bureau seeks to expand the program, which currently includes six states, to add five new states following its recent announcement to develop a programmatic environmental impact statement for the agency’s utility-scale solar energy planning.

Wednesday,
January 18
BOEM Review of Sunrise Wind Offshore Project

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management will hold a meeting to discuss its draft environmental impact statement for Sunrise Wind LLC’s proposal to construct a wind energy facility in the outer continental shelf offshore New York. The 924-megawatt offshore wind farm would include 94 turbine generators within 102 potential locations, an offshore converter station and associated facilities. The project would contribute to New York’s goal of 9 gigawatts of offshore wind energy generation by 2035, as outlined in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. An additional meeting will be held on Jan. 23.

Eastern Region

Tuesday,
January 17
NYSERDA  Offshore Wind Training Program

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is due to receive proposals for the first round of funding for training initiatives focused on addressing projected offshore wind workforce gaps and preparing workers for high growth jobs. The funding is intended to support projects that address projected workforce gaps and provide technical training. Total funding currently available for this solicitation is $9 million, distributed over the course of multiple rounds. NYSERDA will accept proposals requesting between $500,000 and $3,000,000. Additional funds may be added to successful projects at NYSERDA’s discretion.

Wednesday,
January 18
NY PSC 94 MW Moraine Solar Project

The New York Public Service Commission will discuss Moraine Solar Energy Center LLC’s proposal to construct the Moraine Solar project, a 94-megawatt solar project in Alleghany County. The project is planned to be sited on a total of 593.5 acres and is expected to produce sufficient power to supply over 25,000 homes. On issuing draft permit conditions, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting staff recommends that the office elect not to apply any local law or ordinance that is unreasonably burdensome in view of the state’s clean energy targets and the environmental benefits of the facility.

Western Region

Tuesday,
January 17
CA EC Golden State Priority Project

The California Energy Commission will hold a webinar to discuss its Golden State Priority Project which provides rebates for purchasing and installing eligible direct current fast chargers. The project will give incentives to eligible applicants that qualify for rebates up to $100,000 per connector, or up to 50 percent of the total approved costs in disadvantaged or low-income communities. The commission has provided a funding of $30 million for the project.

Tuesday,
January 17
CARB Quarterly Carbon Auction

The California Air Resources Board and Québec’s Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change are due to receive applications for their 34th joint quarterly carbon auction, which will offer allowances for current and future years. The current auction will offer 2023 vintage allowances totaling about 56.4 million, and the advance auction will offer 2026 future allowances totaling about 7.6 million. The previous auction held in November sold more than 58.02 million current allowances at a price of $26.8 per allowance and 7.9 million future allowances at $26 per allowance. California’s cap-and trade program places an economy-wide cap on major emitting sources.

Wednesday,
January 18
MN PUC Minnesota Power Rate Case

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will consider Minnesota Power’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to electric services. The ALLETE, Inc. subsidiary is seeking a net increase of $108.3 million, or 17.58 percent, for 2022 with a return on equity of 10.25 percent. The proposal is expected to increase the bill of an average residential electric customer consuming 701 kilowatt hours monthly by about $15.08. In December, the commission approved an interim rate increase of 14.23 percent, or $87.3 million, with an exception. The commission will consider whether to adopt the recommendations in an administrative law judge’s report regarding the rate request. According to Minnesota Power, adopting the report in its entirety would result in its request being reduced to $75.6 million.