The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will hold a technical conference to discuss a mid-point review of the NY-Sun solar incentive program following an April 2022 order that extended the program, adopting a target of 10 gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030. The state has installed 4 gigawatts of distributed solar as of September 2022, and is on track to exceed the goal of 6 gigawatts by 2025 and accelerate progress toward the 2030 goal. The April 2022 order issued by the Public Service Commission also adopted an expanded Solar Energy Equity Framework wherein 40 percent of the incremental 4 gigawatts will be targeted toward low-to-moderate-income residents, regulated affordable housing, and disadvantaged communities. The commission also authorized an additional budget of $1.474 billion to fully fund the expanded program. Among other things, the review considers project configurations and cost analysis, as well as an assessment of the potential impact of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act on the NY-Sun program. 21-E-0629

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is due to receive proposals to retain a consultant to support existing staff as a “process monitor” in the initiation phase for a non-wire alternatives solutions process. In November, the regulator approved a document laying out the design, structure, governance, and implementation of the non-wires solutions, or NWS, process, which was created as a mechanism to introduce broader competition and solution sets to meet distribution system needs, in order to improve ratepayer outcomes and advance the state’s policy goals. The initiation phase of the program involves the hiring of a consultant to coordinate stakeholder engagement and provide independent expertise throughout the process, and develop key NWS process materials. 17-12-03RE07

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is due to receive comments from rate-regulated utilities on the energy-related provisions in the federal Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, enacted in August. The law represents the single largest investment in climate and energy in the country, providing $369 billion for energy security and climate change programs over the next ten years. The law revamps tax incentives necessary to facilitate the clean energy transition and is projected to result in roughly 40 percent emissions reductions by 2030. The commission is seeking responses to a series of questions including how the provisions of the IRA enable or accelerate progress towards the state’s renewable energy and emissions reduction goals, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the energy sector. The commission jointly launched an investigation with the Department of Commerce to examine how the IRA can benefit Minnesotans and what actions should be taken to maximize the benefits. CI-22-624

The California Energy Commission is due to receive comments on its proposed natural gas research initiatives for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Research initiative themes for the fiscal year include hydrogen infrastructure safety, building decarbonization, entrepreneur development, and leveraging cost share. The commission serves as the administrator of the gas research fund, which includes surcharges from customers receiving gas service from public utility corporations. The fund supports public interest research and development through the program, which is evaluated on an annual basis. 16-PIER-01