Power & Utilities

FERC Issues First Rulings on Order 1000 Interregional Filings

The FERC has issued rulings on interregional transmission plans submitted under Order No. 1000, finding that CAISO has fully complied with regional requirements. On December 18, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its first orders on interregional transmission coordination and cost allocation requirements under FERC Order 1000.  The FERC recognized California Independent System…...

ARPA-E Announces Emissions Reduction and Energy Efficiency Projects

ARPA-E has announced $60M in funding under its MONITOR and DELTA programs to check methane emissions and facilitate energy-efficient thermal management. On December 16, 2014, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) announced $60M in funding for 22 innovative projects through its Methane Observation Networks with Innovative Technology to Obtain Reductions (MONITOR)…...

NY Governor Announces REDC Awards

Governor Cuomo has announced the 2014 REDC awards including funding for sustainability projects under the Cleaner, Greener Communities initiative. On December 12, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo awarded $709.2M for 852 statewide economic and community development projects through the Regional Economic Development Council’s (REDC) fourth round of funding.  Established in 2011, the REDC…...

NY Announces Milestones to Advance the REV Proceeding

Governor Cuomo has announced five initiatives consistent with the REV strategy to advance the local clean energy industry and modernize utility sector operations. On December 12, 2014, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new clean energy initiatives consistent with the Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to spur innovation and investment, improve customer choice…...

[Report] Utilities Nationwide Adjust Rate Designs to Meet Changing Customer Demand

Utilities are increasingly pursuing rate design reform to earn revenue as kilowatt-hour demand growth flattens. As net energy-metered residential solar PV installation growth continues, utilities will be challenged with building and maintaining infrastructure with diminishing revenue streams. The fixed charge and net energy metering NEM compensation debate will continue as utilities fight for sustained revenue…...

NY PSC Approves Con Edison BQDM Program

Approval of Con Edison’s BQDM Program is a significant step for the utility to pursue non-traditional infrastructure investments to meet local demand. On December 12, 2014, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order in Case 14-E-0302 approving Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc.’s (Con Edison) Brooklyn/Queens Demand Management (BQDM) Program to address overload…...

[Report] New England Renewable Energy Policies Support Attractive Market

Federal tax incentives, strong state renewable portfolio standards, and associated renewable energy certificate programs facilitate regional installation growth. New England states must continuously analyze and update their RPS policies to ensure renewable energy growth, as developers currently rely on the standards and associated REC markets for project demand and financing. With federal and state policies…...

PJM Releases Updated Capacity Performance Product Proposal

PJM Interconnection has issued a Capacity Performance proposal modeled after the New England ISO Pay-for-Performance capacity market design. On December 3, 2014, PJM Interconnection issued a Capacity Performance proposal — a modified version of the October 7 staff proposal — reflecting the need for stronger incentives within the existing capacity market structure to encourage investment by new…...

House Passes One-Year Tax Extender Bill

The House has passed a one-year extension of several tax provisions including the renewable energy production tax credit and several biofuel industry incentives. On December 3, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (H.R. 5771), a one-year tax extender package for several tax relief provisions that expired at…...