The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is due to receive proposals in response to its fifth offshore wind solicitation, building on a 10-point action plan issued last October to support the growing large-scale renewable energy industry. The solicitation includes key provisions such as inflation indexing, labor provisions, stakeholder engagement requirements, and disadvantaged community commitments. Finalization of contracts is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2025. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission seeks comments on a proposal that identifies changes to gas service extension rules to better align applicants’ access to service extensions with efforts to achieve emissions reduction targets. In its order adopting a gas system planning process, the commission recognized that issues raised regarding extension of gas service to new natural gas customers may require modifications to Title 16 of the New York Code of Rules and Regulations Part 230 that sets forth the rights, requirements, and responsibilities of utilities and applicants for gas service. The commission is exploring ways to balance the need to reduce new gas service extensions in furtherance of the goals set by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Reply comments are due by Oct. 9. 20-G-0131

The California Energy Commission will consider proposed revisions to the 2025 update to the state’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards. These standards, which serve to reduce wasteful, uneconomical, and unnecessary uses of energy in the state, are updated every three years. The commission began formal rulemaking of the 2025 Energy Code in March, following two years of pre-rulemaking development of the proposed changes.

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is due to receive comments regarding Rocky Mountain Power’s application for approval of its 2024 Idaho wildfire mitigation plan, which describes the utility’s efforts to mitigate the risk of wildfires and investments to construct, maintain, and operate electrical lines and equipment to minimize this risk. The plan includes a baseline risk analysis and descriptions of inspection procedures, vegetation management practices, system hardening efforts, public safety power shutoff protocols, and cost forecasts. The PacifiCorp subsidiary forecasts additional investment of $31.40 million through 2026 including $22.26 million of capital expenses. The plan also describes a multi-step approach to coordinate with the utility’s public safety partners on wildfire mitigation and safety power shutoff preparedness.