The New York Public Service Commission seeks comments on Queensboro Development LLC’s December 2022 application to construct, own, and operate the state’s components of the Queensboro Renewable Express project, proposed as a ±400 kilovolt merchant transmission facility with the capacity to deliver approximately 2.62 gigawatts of wind energy generated in federal waters into the New York Independent System Operator region.

The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a technical conference to discuss information needed for a study regarding the utilization of end-use electricity customer load that is physically connected to an existing or planned electric generation facility, also known as co-located load configuration. The commission’s findings will address potential impacts on the reliability of the electric transmission and distribution systems, PJM’s markets and planning functions, as well as Maryland ratepayers. The study will also inform mitigation measures to address these impacts.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is due to receive comments on draft code language in the New York Fire Code addressing recommendations for a safe and reliable growth of the battery energy storage system industry. The draft language follows recommendations made by the Interagency Fire Safety Working Group to improve coordination, safety and emergency preparedness in the planning of energy storage projects.

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission will consider Pacific Power’s application for adjustments of distribution rates and charges applicable to electric services. The PacifiCorp subsidiary initially requested an increase of approximately $322.3 million, or 17.9 percent, and a return on equity of 10.3 percent, to be effective Jan. 1, 2025. The company later reduced its overall rate increase request to $207.8 million, or 11.2 percent. UE 433

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to establish a climate mitigation program in place of the 2021 Climate Protection Program that was invalidated last year. In December 2023, the Oregon Court of Appeals determined that the department did not fully comply with notice requirements during the rulemaking process for the 2021 initiative. The program would set a declining limit, or cap, on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels in Oregon to reduce emissions 50 percent by 2035 and 90 percent by 2050, from an average 2017-2019 baseline. Comments on the proposed rules are due by Sept. 27. READ MORE

The Washington Department of Ecology seeks comments on draft rules to facilitate the option of linking Washington’s carbon market with California and Quebec. To operate a joint carbon market, each jurisdiction is required to have the same rules to buy and sell allowances. The department anticipates a linkage agreement in late 2025. Once linked, joint auctions would be held, and market participants would be able to trade across jurisdictions, resulting in uniform allowance prices and a larger pool of allowances for businesses. READ MORE

The Michigan Public Service Commission seeks comments on opportunities to expand public engagement in its decision-making processes as part of an overhaul of the state’s energy laws in 2023. Among other things, the commission seeks information on further improvements for communicating with the public, expanding accessibility and participation, and enhancing the transparency of proceedings. The commission also welcomes suggestions on improving participation in its proceedings by low-income residential customers, residential customers with high energy burdens, and individuals and communities impacted by its decisions. U-21638