The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will hold a work session regarding its ongoing investigation to examine whether the state can achieve its long-term clean energy and environmental goals under the current resource adequacy procurement paradigm. The session will explore proposals from Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Exelon Generation LLC to utilize the “fixed resource requirement alternative” mechanism, which allows state-subsidized resources to be removed from PJM Interconnection LLC’s capacity auction. The board launched the investigation in response to reforms to expand the minimum offer price rule, effectively raising the bid price for state-subsidized resources to participate in the capacity market. READ MORE

The New York Public Service Commission will discuss Central Hudson Company’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to its electric and gas service. The Fortis Inc. subsidiary asked for an annual revenue increase of $32.8 million for electric services, with a proposal to moderate the hike with $20 million in bill credits for projected net regulatory liability balances, which would raise residential bills by about 2.82 percent. The company proposed to increase its gas delivery revenues by about $14.4 million with a similar proposal to moderate the impact with $8 million of bill credits, resulting in a 2.76 percent increase in the total bill of an average residential heating customer. 20-E-0428, 20-G-0429

The Nevada Public Utilities Commission is scheduled to receive comments on a pilot project to develop solutions to track and certify portfolio energy credits for the purpose of meeting the state’s renewable portfolio standard. The commission is examining current regulations to determine whether electric service providers should be allowed to utilize alternative methods including blockchain-based solutions to track and certify these credits. The responses will be discussed in a workshop scheduled for Nov. 13. Nevada enacted legislation in April 2019 that increased the RPS to 50 percent by 2030, and set a goal for achieving 100 percent of the state’s electricity from carbon-free resources by 2050. 18-09008

The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a remote workshop to evaluate the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on customers and discuss innovative solutions to address critical customer needs. Although the shelter-at-home directives and bans on non-essential work and travel are imperative for public health, the commission recognizes their impact on customers’ energy usage, as well as their ability to pay energy bills.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is due to receive comments on Otter Tail Power Company’s application for adjustments of retail rates and charges applicable to its electric service. The company asked for an annual revenue increase of nearly $14.5 million, or 6.77 percent, which would result in an average monthly bill increase of $7.77 for residential customers. GR-20-719

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will consider an application by FPL Energy Mower County Wind LLC for a site permit amendment to repower a 99-megawatt wind project spanning an area of about 11,301 acres in Mower County. The NextEra Energy subsidiary proposes to retrofit 43 operating turbines with new rotors, longer blades and replace other necessary components, in order to extend their life and improve efficiency. The project is estimated to cost approximately $170 million. WS-06-91