The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection seeks stakeholder input on the responsible use of artificial intelligence and other technologies to modernize its permitting programs. Through a request for information, the department is inviting feedback from technology vendors, permit applicants, regulated entities, environmental advocates, academic institutions, and the public. The department is interested in identifying tools that can streamline application intake, automate front-end administrative tasks, improve access to information, and strengthen public participation. The RFI builds on the 20BY26 Initiative, which commits the agency to implementing 20 measurable improvements to enhance the predictability, efficiency, and transparency of its processes.

The New York Public Service Commission seeks reply comments on a comprehensive managed charging report filed by the state’s major electric utilities as well as issues discussed in a technical conference held as part of the commission staff’s ongoing review of residential electric vehicle managed charging programs. In August 2025, the commission approved modifications to utilities’ programs, finding the changes reasonable and aligned with state EV adoption goals. Utilities had petitioned to continue the programs beyond their Dec. 31, 2025 end date until a comprehensive review could be completed, in order to maintain program stability, allow more time to gather data, and prevent a pause that could create customer and market uncertainty. To facilitate a future review, the commission directed utilities to file a report covering program results, grid impacts, customer enrollment, and recommendations for improvements. 18-E-0138

The Ohio Public Utilities Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing on AES Ohio’s application to establish a three-year electric distribution rate plan covering the 2027-2029 period. The company is seeking to increase its base distribution revenue requirement by $169.8 million in the first year, followed by $41.4 million in the second year and $26.2 million in the third year. After its review, commission staff recommended increasing the revenue requirement by $113.9 million, $28.4 million, and $22.3 million in the first, second, and third years, respectively.

The Ohio Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on Enbridge Gas Ohio’s application to increase natural gas distribution rates and for approval of an alternative rate plan. Enbridge seeks a rate increase of approximately $163.1 million, or 17.28 percent, which would raise a residential customer’s monthly bill by $9.49. Commission staff recommended an increase in the range of $112.6 million to $129.4 million, or 11.86 to 13.63 percent. Under the staff recommendation, a typical residential monthly bill would increase by about $5.90. Additional hearings will be held on Aug. 19 and 31.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission seeks written comments on Plum Creek Storage LLC’s proposed battery energy storage system with a capacity of up to 200 megawatts/800 megawatt-hours in Cottonwood County. The project would operate alongside the previously permitted Plum Creek Wind Project and would be sited on approximately 35.9 acres of private land. The applicant notes that the project is needed to facilitate renewable energy generation and support grid reliability. ESS-26-157

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission seeks comments to develop a policy statement addressing large load interconnections for regulated electric utilities. The commission has listed several topics for comment, including establishing a separate rate class for large load customers, allocating the costs of serving them, and addressing stranded cost risks. The commission has opened a docket to proactively prepare for large load growth, such as data centers, manufacturing, and electrification, even though its regulated utilities have not yet experienced the large load growth seen in other parts of the country. Large load customers pose unique risks and opportunities for the traditional business models of electric utilities, especially in the constrained power system of the Pacific Northwest. A workshop will be held on Aug. 12. UE-260162