The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is due to receive comments on a recommendation to retain consultants to support existing staff expertise on non-wire alternatives. The agency is in the process of establishing a competitive process to compare these alternatives against traditional distribution system upgrades. The initiative is part of a series of reopened proceedings to investigate topics considered integral to achieve the objectives of the framework for an Equitable Modern Grid. The framework is designed to foster innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities facing the electric sector. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission is scheduled to receive feedback on the regulatory structure proposed in a recent whitepaper to achieve the state’s goal of sourcing 70 percent of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030. Achieving the goal is foundational to set the state on a path to carbon free power by 2040. The report puts forth an expanded Clean Energy Standard, using existing regulatory and procurement structures and adopting policy changes to align with the requirements. The commission also invites feedback on the discussion at a recent technical conference regarding the proposal, in order to help inform whether further stakeholder outreach is warranted. READ MORE

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities is due to receive proposals on revisions to the distributed generation interconnection tariff concerning energy storage systems and the standard interconnection process. This will be the first topic of discussion in a collaborative process established last month to address discrete topics under investigation in response to stakeholder interest. The move follows multiple technical conferences and numerous rounds of public comments and stakeholder collaboration on topics including managing high volume queues for grid connection, connecting battery systems, state vs. federal jurisdiction, and cost allocation, in an effort to support continued growth of the distributed generation marketplace. 19-55

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will consider an application by Buffalo Ridge Wind LLC for a certificate of need and a site permit to build a 109-megawatt wind project in Lincoln and Pipestone Counties. The NextEra Energy Inc. subsidiary proposes to install 40 turbines spanning an area of about 17,609 acres in Lincoln County. The company has a power purchase agreement with Great River Energy to sell the output of the project for a 25-year term. The project is expected to come online by the end of this year subject to state and local approvals. WS-19-394

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission will discuss proposals regarding the design and implementation of long-term distributed energy programs, the first of a three-phase process established in April. The commission is evaluating its distributed generation proceeding in three tracks namely, DER program, advanced rate design, and technical issues. The key outcome of the program track is to establish long-term initiatives to supplement net metering programs and facilitate the transition from existing interim tariff options. The commission designated July 1 to Aug. 5 as the timeframe for the first round of information requests in the track to allow parties to start reviewing and vetting proposals. 2019-0323

The Nevada Public Utilities Commission will discuss its second concept paper describing the existing regulatory framework and practices to provide stakeholders with a common understanding of the regulatory landscape in developing alternative ratemaking mechanisms. A 2019 law directed the commission to adopt regulations enabling electric utilities to file alternative rate-making plans, which include performance-based rates that are based on metrics that the commission may establish. Last month, the commission discussed its first concept paper focused on goals and outcomes for establishing performance-based ratemaking for electric utilities. Stakeholders will discuss how current practices and policy provisions affect goals and desirable outcomes. 19-06008

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is due to receive reply comments on a request for a permit amendment for the 84-megawatt Freeborn Wind Project spanning an area of about 26,273 acres in Freeborn County. The commission issued a permit for the project in December 2018, and subsequently granted a request to transfer the permit to Xcel Energy Inc., which acquired the project last year. The facility is part of a 200-megawatt project, with 84 megawatts located in Minnesota and the remaining 116 megawatts in Iowa. WS-17-410