The Maine Public Utilities Commission invites comments on a draft request for proposals for the procurement of generation and transmission projects in northern Maine. The initiative aims to gather input from potential bidders and interested parties on the commission’s approach to a future procurement of at least 1,200 megawatts of nameplate generation and transmission capacity in the region. The draft RFP calls for proposals that provide for a transmission solution coordinated with one or more generation projects to minimize the delivered cost of energy by maximizing throughput, while recognizing the costs associated with curtailment and congestion.

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission will host the fourth in a series of six annual professional development conferences titled “Be Utility Wise” and “Be Wise” for consumer advocates and human service and energy professionals. This year’s conferences center on the theme “Embracing Collective Solutions: Empowering Stability in our Communities.” They will feature expert panels, interactive discussions, and resource areas designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights required to better serve vulnerable consumers. These conferences serve as the commission’s signature consumer education programs, dedicated to consumer advocacy, utility education, and resource sharing.

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources invites public comments on a draft report that provides details for Program Year 2026 under the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target 3.0, or SMART 3.0, program. The department recently issued final regulations for the SMART 3.0 program. A key change is using an annual assessment to set yearly program capacity and incentive rates. Prior versions of the program used a declining rate block structure. To determine the programmatic elements, the assessment evaluates several factors in conjunction with the results of a survey of solar development costs. These include progress toward greenhouse gas emissions limits, program participation rates, and ratepayer impacts. Program Year 2026 will be open for applications from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026. The SMART program was launched in 2018 with an initial capacity of 1,600 megawatts, which was later expanded to 3,200 megawatts. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission invites comments on a draft supplemental generic environmental review of a proposal to continue the Zero-Emission Credit, or ZEC, program, which was established in 2016 to sustain the operations of eligible nuclear power plants in the state. The draft analyzes the impacts associated with continuing the current program, with modifications, from 2029 through 2049. The proposed action involves the design and implementation of an expanded program to preserve the emissions-free attributes associated with nuclear facilities and help meet the goals of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including attaining a carbon-free power system by 2040. READ MORE

The Idaho Public Utilities Commission will hold a customer hearing on Idaho Power Company’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to its electric service. The company is seeking an increase of approximately $199.1 million, or 13.09 percent, which represents an increase of $21.66, for a typical residential customer using 900 kilowatt hours per month. IPC-E-25-16

The California Energy Commission will host a meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan to discuss a draft report of the 2025-2026 Investment Plan Update. The program invests approximately $100 million annually to advance zero-emission technologies, supporting projects such as electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, workforce training, and related initiatives. A 2007 law established the program and authorized the commission to develop and deploy zero-emission and other advanced fuels and transportation technologies to support the state’s climate change policies. Legislation enacted in 2023 reauthorized the program until July 1, 2035 with some additions and revisions. 25-ALT-01