The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will hold a public stakeholder meeting to discuss the draft solicitation guidance document for its fourth offshore wind solicitation. The state has awarded two contracts for offshore wind projects totaling about 3.7 gigawatts in its third solicitation. This action is significant for the state’s offshore wind pursuit after Denmark-based Ørsted canceled its plans last November to develop two projects with a proposed capacity of 2.2 gigawatts off New Jersey due to supply chain challenges and rising interest rates. New Jersey has a goal of deploying 11 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2040.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is due to receive comments on a regulation to reduce sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, a potent greenhouse gas used in electric power transmission and distribution equipment. The draft includes a program to phase down the use of SF6 in gas-insulated equipment used by the electricity sector. Among other requirements, the proposed regulation includes a phase out of the installation of new SF6 gas-insulated equipment.

The Delaware Public Service Commission will conduct a hearing on its proposal to move portions of the regulatory language relating to Community Energy Facilities and Net Energy Metering from the current regulation docket into new separate dockets. The commission initiated the docket to consider proposed rules implementing changes to its net metering program pursuant to 2022 legislation, which amended net metering provisions including increasing the cap at which an electric utility may elect not to provide net metering services from 5 percent of its peak demand to 8 percent. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission is due to receive proposals for an independent consulting firm to assess long-term gas plans from National Grid, Corning Natural Gas Corp. and Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp. A 2022 order established a long-term gas system planning process for local gas distribution companies to adopt improved planning and operational practices, in order to meet current and future customer needs and expectations in a transparent and equitable manner, while maintaining a safe and reliable service and minimizing infrastructure investments. 20-G-0131

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission will conduct virtual evidentiary hearings on Public Service Company of Colorado’s proposed 2024-2028 Clean Heat Plan. The plan contains four portfolios including a preferred portfolio, which the company calls “Clean Heat Plus.” Legislation enacted in 2021 established a clean heat standard and directed gas utilities to develop and file clean heat plans to demonstrate the utility will achieve emissions reduction targets of 4 percent by 2025 and 22 percent by 2030, based on 2015 emission levels, from a range of prescribed clean heat resources. READ MORE

The Oregon Public Utilities Commission will hold a public meeting to consider Idaho Power’s application for adjustments of distribution rates and charges applicable to electric services. The IDACORP Inc. subsidiary is seeking an increase in distribution revenue of $10.7 million, or 19.28 percent, and a return on equity of 10.4 percent. The change would result in a monthly bill increase of $31.77 for an average residential customer using 1,150-kilowatt-hours per month.

The California Energy Commission seeks comments on a draft strategic plan for offshore wind energy development in federal waters off the California coast. The initiative is in response to legislation enacted in 2021 directing the commission to coordinate with other agencies as needed and develop a strategic plan for offshore wind energy development. The plan identifies suitable sea space to accommodate California’s offshore wind planning goals, and discusses economic and workforce development and port space and infrastructure, and transmission planning. The strategic plan also presents the permitting processes for offshore wind projects and identifies potential impacts as well as mitigation strategies. READ MORE