The New York Public Service Commission seeks comments on a proposal to manage the interconnection queue for new distributed generation and energy storage projects 5 megawatts or less connected in parallel with utility distribution systems. The proposal follows the Internal Revenue Service Notice 2025-42, which provides guidance for determining the beginning of construction of wind and solar projects seeking federal tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. To clarify the obligations of both project developers and interconnecting utilities, the proposal would establish rules for the construction and interconnection of distributed energy resources subject to the standardized interconnection requirements. The changes are designed to enable eligible projects to be placed in-service within the timeframes identified in the notice. READ MORE

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to regulations governing the Climate Smart Communities program, which helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The three main components of the program are the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate Program, ZEV Infrastructure Grant Program, and Climate Smart Communities Grant Program. The proposed amendments would align the program with legislative changes to the State Environmental Conservation Law and also simplify and clarify the three separate components. The revisions would also expand the number of entities eligible to receive grants.

Member states of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, will hold their 70th quarterly auction of carbon allowances. The auction clearing prices will be posted on Dec. 5. The previous auction sold out at a clearing price of $22.25, about 13.3 percent higher than the June auction, and generated about $338 million, bringing the total proceeds to nearly $9.7 billion. Participating states have completed the program’s third review, strengthening the emissions cap and introducing new market mechanisms to protect energy affordability. The review resulted in an updated framework that reduces the regional emissions cap in 2027 to 70 million tons of carbon dioxide from approximately 76 million tons, setting the states on a declining trajectory to reach about 10 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2037. READ MORE

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is due to receive final bids for large-scale renewable energy projects under its 2025 Land-Based Renewable Energy Solicitation. The initiative focuses on late-stage projects that are ready to begin construction, streamlining the contracting process to bring projects online faster. The effort aims to support ratepayers by using sunsetting federal clean energy tax credits to lower costs. The solicitation incorporates best practices and lessons learned from past procurements, including cost indexing, labor standards, agricultural land preservation, and requirements for engaging stakeholders and disadvantaged communities. Conditional awards are expected in February 2026. READ MORE

The Arizona Corporation Commission will hold a public comment session regarding the repeal of the state’s Electrical Energy Efficiency Standards Rules, which expired in 2020. In September, the commission voted to initiate the process of repealing the rules that were established in 2010. The rules required utilities to achieve annual savings of at least 22 percent by 2020, and Arizona’s two largest regulated electric utilities have exceeded the target. The commission estimates that the energy efficiency mandates have cost Arizona ratepayers more than $1 billion in additional surcharges. Existing energy efficiency and demand response programs will continue. Another session will be held on Dec. 4. READ MORE

The Washington Department of Ecology will hold its 12th quarterly carbon auction, which will offer allowances for current and future years. The current auction will offer 2024 and 2025 vintage allowances totaling about 7.4 million, and the advance auction will offer 2028 vintage allowances totaling 1.9 million. A summary report is expected to be released on Dec. 10. The previous quarterly auction held in September sold out, with current allowances clearing at $64.30 per allowance, about 10 percent higher than the June auction. READ MORE