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RENEWABLE ENERGY UPDATE SERVICE October 10, 2013
State Highlights In California, Governor Brown signed a bill on October 7, which empowers the state Public Utilities Commission to dramatically alter electric utility rate structure, with potential impacts on everything from the renewable portfolio standard to net metering provisions…
A recent market report from the Solar Industries Association shows tremendous gains in U.S. solar deployment, including a 15% increase
2013 Q3 over 2013 Q1 in installed capacity…another industry report notes similar success, but says growth is concentrated utility-scale
projects rather than residential rooftop installations…
Solar installation leader SolarCity announced another major acquisition on October 9 – an installation technology startup called Zep. This comes on the heels of SolarCity’s recent announcements about partnerships with retail electricity suppliers Direct Energy and Viridian Energy.
A Connecticut legislative committee has continued to reject proposed rules on siting and construction of wind power generation in the state, stymieing project development. This marks the third time within the past year that the committee has done made such rejections…
A joint procurement process by Massachusetts electric utilities has resulted in a power purchase agreement for wind energy that has a
long-term price in kWh that some analysts say could prove cheaper than even coal generation over the similar time horizons…
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved electric utility DTE’s power purchase agreement with Big Turtle Wind Farm, LLC, a 20MW
facility expected to start delivering power in 2014. The term of the contract is 20 years with estimated pricing of up to $53 per megawatt-hour…
Also in Michigan the state Public Service Commission and the Michigan Energy Office issued the first of four joint reports on renewable
energy for public comment. Comments are due by October 16. The other three reports will be on energy efficiency, electric choice and one
on "additional areas" related to energy policy…
New York Gov. Cuomo announced the launch of a Green Bank Initiative to mobilize investment in clean energy projects. If approved by the New York Public Service Commission, the Green Bank, managed by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, NYSERDA
could begin offering financing as early as 2014…NYSERDA also announced an effort with the City University of New York and the New York
Power Authority to streamline state and municipal solar installation permitting processes into a single permit…
Also in New York, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) Board of Directors announced the appointment of John Rhodes as the agency’s new president and CEO…
Table of Contents
Click hyperlinks to go directly to the Docket Summary for each state.
Arizona
California
Connecticut
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
South Dakota
Wisconsin
Disclaimer
Federal Highlights
Key House Republican, Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY), on October 4, called for debt bill free of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) riders as GOP readies more mini spending bills. Representative Whitfield endorsed decoupling EPA emissions rules from the must-pass bill to raise the federal borrowing limit at a time
when the U.S. House majority is openly weighing whether to combine the debt ceiling and the ongoing government shutdown into one set of talks with Democrats…
A Department of Energy (DOE)-backed project demonstrated a milestone accomplishment in storage capabilities, on October 9. A $2 billion utility-scale solar facility in Arizona produced electricity for six straight hours with assistance from its energy storage system, passing a key commercial operations test. The facility,
completed by the solar plant developer, Abengoa Solar, received strong support from a $1.45 million loan guarantee from the DOE…
With Ron Binz's withdrawal, rumors surfaced that President Obama will look for a less controversial choice to head the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC). A number of candidates have been identified, but it remains unclear on when the White House will choose another candidate to push through a gridlocked Congress. The front-runner is said to be Colette Honorable, chairwoman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission…
Current Federal Funding Opportunities National Science Foundation – fundamental research grants focused on sustainable production of energy and transportation fuels (emphasis on being environmentally benign, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and using renewable resources). $13.09 million in funding is available. Applications due 2/20/14.
Office of Naval Research – applied research grants for specified topics in energy storage systems. $7.6 million in funding is available. Applications due
11/20/13. Massachusetts Air National Guard - construction of solar energy system with a 20-year fixed-price Power Purchase Agreement at the Otis Air National Guard
Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod.
Recent Federal Legislation
On September 25, 2013, Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Nick Rahall (D-WV), along with 43 cosponsors, introduced H.J.Res. 64, a resolution to disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent proposed greenhouse gas emissions rule for new power plants.
On September 30, 2013, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced S. 1563, a bill to provide for the expansion of the biofuels market. The measure would create a
renewable fuel pipeline loan guarantee program…
Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
E-00000W-130135
Case opened on 5/14/13.
AZCC investigation on whether or not to allow for full-scale retail
electric competition.
If the electricity market were to be opened to competition, which is
possible, then this could result in an
increased demand for renewable products from third party energy
suppliers entering the Arizona market.
The AZCC decided to close this investigation and not to
proceed with any market-level
changes to the retail electricity market at this time.
This entry will be archived and not included in future Updates.
E-01345A-12-0290 E-01933A-12-0296
E-04204A-12-0297 E-01345A-10-0394
Cases were consolidated on 2/15/13.
Arizona Public Service Company, Tucson Electric Power Company,
and UNS Electric, Inc. seeking approval of their 2013 renewable
energy standard implementation
plan.
AZCC is making sure the utilities are committed to meeting the renewable
energy targets established by prior AZCC orders and that that each utility
is making the effort to incrementally
increase its retail load with more renewable energy resources.
Parties filed closing briefs (8/27/13) and reply briefs
(9/13/13).
AZCC issued a letter order
stating that 2013 approved residential solar PV incentive
funding has been exhausted and the incentive has dropped
to zero for the remainder of
the year (9/25/13).
AZCC Staff proposed that the AZCC allow utility APS to use
almost $25 million in existing but unallocated funds to
complete installation of
distributed generation projects at schools and government
facilities (9/30/13).
AZCC will consider these cases at the 10/16/13
open meeting.
E-00000C-11-0328
Case opened on 8/29/11.
AZCC wide-scale investigation into smart meters.
Can have a significant impact on smart meter implementation for end use
customers.
Parties continue to file comments on miscellaneous
issues (3/21/13 – 9/26/13).
Awaiting any AZCC action.
Arizona Corporation Commission (AZCC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
E-01933A-13-0056
Case opened on 3/12/13.
Application of Tucson Electric Power Company (TEP) for approval
of a Renewable Energy Power
Purchase Agreement with Red Horse Wind 2, LLC.
Market intelligence. AZCC issued an order granting that the TEP RFP process won
by Red Horse complied with
AZCC orders and that the energy to be generated by Red
Horse fit the definition of an Eligible Renewable Energy
Resource (7/30/13).
Awaiting any compliance actions by TEP.
E-04204A-12-0504 UNS Electric Rate Case UNS is proposing a cost-recovery mechanism to make up for revenue
that was lost due to reduced usage
(on account of energy efficiency and distributed generation use by
customers).
AZCC held hearings on the rate case (9/30/13 – 10/4/13).
Awaiting filing of post-hearing briefs by parties.
Arizona – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Arizona State Legislature – Legislative Summary Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The Arizona State Legislature is in recess.
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) – Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
R1105005
Case opened on 5/5/11.
CPUC’s ongoing implementation and oversight of the California
Renewables Portfolio Standard
(RPS) Program.
Could have a significant impact on the solar market.
The CPUC issued questions for public comment around a
number of compliance issues
associated with the RPS (9/27/13).
Opening comments of not more than 40 pages may
be filed and served by
10/21/13. Reply comments of not more than 20 pages
may be filed and served by 11/1/13.
California – Requests for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
n/a County of Alameda - Renewable
Energy Projects.
The County of Alameda has issued a
RFP for renewable energy generating systems for up to 187 municipal
facilities across 19 public agencies
within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
[email protected] 10/22/13
n/a Alga Norte Community Park Solar
Photovoltaic Project
The City of Carlsbad has issued a RFP
for technical and pricing proposals for a solar photovoltaic project at Alga
Norte Community Park. A mandatory conference is scheduled on October
17.
[email protected] 11/21/13
n/a Southern California Public Power
Authority – Renewable Energy Projects
RFP for renewable energy projects. [email protected] 12/31/13
California State Legislature – Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
AB 26 (Bonilla) California Global Warming
Solutions Act of 2006 and the
Greenhouse Gas reduction Act. Directs the California Air Resource
Board to determine the 1990 statewide GHG emissions level and
to approve a GHG emissions limit
equivalent to that level to be achieved by 2020. Also establishes
a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to receive cap-and-trade auction
proceeds.
Could have significant impact on all
renewable industries.
Hearings cancelled on request
of the bill’s author (7/10/13).
Awaiting any
reconsideration.
AB 148 (Manuel Perez)
Would establish a Renewable Energy and Biofuel Research and
Development Program in the
Salton Sea basin to help meet state economic/environmental
goals by providing grants to facilitate commercial development
of renewable energy and biofuel resources.
Companies would have the opportunity to lead in the commercial
development of the Salton Sea's vast
renewable energy and biofuel resources.
Introduced (1/18/13).
Referred to Committee on
Natural Resources and the Committee on Water, Parks,
and Wildlife (2/15/13).
Hearing was cancelled (4/15/13).
Awaiting any reconsideration.
AB217 (Bradford) Would extend funding for both the Single-Family Affordable Solar
Homes Program (SASH) and the Multifamily Affordable Solar
Housing Program (MASH) past the existing 12/31/16 termination date
by extending it until 12/31/21.
Seeks to continue improving solar energy access for low-income
residential customers, and in turn provide funding for rooftop solar
projects.
Enrolled into law and presented to the governor
(9/25/13).
Awaiting governor’s signature.
California State Legislature – Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
AB293 (Allen)
Would amend the California Clean
Energy Jobs Act to develop a
program to award financial assistance.
Would fund energy-related projects in
school facilities and other public
facilities and projects related to job training and workforce development
for clean energy and energy efficiency projects.
Bill was reported favorably out
of the Committee on Utilities
and Commerce and to the Committee on Appropriations
(5/7/13).
Bill held in committee
(5/24/13).
Awaiting further action
from the Committee on
Appropriations.
SB 43 (Wolk)
AB 1014 (Williams)
Would establish a shared
Renewable Energy Self-Generation
Program, allowing investor-owned utility customers to get a bill credit
for solar or other renewables produced at a location other than
their own property.
Shared renewables programs allow
more individuals and businesses to
participate in and benefit from solar. They give people and communities
more control over their energy generation.
Enrolled into law and
presented to the governor
(9/11/13).
Signed by the governor (9/28/13).
Chaptered as Chapter 413, Statutes of 2013 (9/28/13).
This bill is now law.
Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) – Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13-06-11
Case opened on 6/7/13.
PURA review of the electric suppliers’ and electric distribution
companies’ compliance with the Connecticut renewable portfolio
standards (RPS) for the year 2012.
Provides market intelligence on which electric suppliers and electric
distribution companies are utilizing renewable sources to offer renewable
products to their customers.
Retail electric supplier, ENCOA, submitted its compliance filings
(9/24/13).
Reliable Power, LLC submitted
its compliance filings (9/27/13).
Awaiting for additional companies to submit
compliance filings.
13-09-19
Case opened on 9/24/13.
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P)
and the United Illuminating Company (UI) seeking PURA
authority for renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) with
developers EDP Renewables and
HelioSage Energy.
Market intelligence. The Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) filed a letter, describing
the basis for DEEP’s selection of the renewable energy
projects listed to enter into
long-term power purchase agreements (9/26/13).
Interrogatories filed by various
parties (9/27/13 - 10/2/13).
Procedural time schedule
revised (10/2/13).
Interrogatories responses
due on 10/4/13.
Second set of interrogatories due on
10/9/13.
Connecticut – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
n/a Granby Solar PV System Project The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) seeks
proposals from qualified contractors to advise and consult
regarding the installation of a 2 kW
DC STC Roof-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic with Monitoring System.
n/a 10/16/13
Connecticut General Assembly – Legislative Summary
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The General Assembly is in adjournment.
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13077
Case opened on 1/24/13.
Energy efficiency - The ICC is considering adopting policies from
the Illinois Statewide Technical Reference Manual (TRM) existing
energy efficiency programs.
Such policies from the TRM would impact the measurement of energy
efficiency investments.
ALJ filed a proposed order to address a number of disputed
issues related to policy implementation of TRM
measurements (9/4/13).
Briefs on Exception to
proposed order filed (9/11/13). Reply Briefs on Exception filed
(9/18/13).
Awaiting ALJ recommendation to the
ICC.
12-0484 Case opened on 8/21/12.
Smart Meters - ComEd Tariff Implementation of Peak Time
Rebate (PTR) Program, which
allows ComEd to rebate customers with smart meters for reducing
their load during peak times – “curtailment periods.”
Could result in ComEd competing unfairly with suppliers offering
curtailment service products. Could
also cause complications with customer bills. Although, such a
provision would increase smart meter market growth and awareness by
awarding customers via rebates
ICC issued initial interim order approving implementation of
the PTR but also ordering
stakeholder workshops to address supplier concerns
(2/21/13).
Workshop focusing on ComEd's and Ameren's advanced
metering infrastructure (AMI) plan and improving
suppliers’ access to AMI data
continue held (5/7/13).
Additional workshops are scheduled for 6/6/13,
6/27/14, 7/17/13, and
8/7/13.
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
12-0544
Case opened on 9/28/2012.
The Illinois Power Agency is seeking approval from ICC on its
2013 proposed plan for procurement of electricity for
customers at Ameren and ComEd
for 2013-2018.
Curtailing utilities’ renewable energy purchasing power capabilities
negatively impacts renewable energy developers, reducing developers’
ability to provide additional renewable
energy electricity.
ICC entered final order approving the draft sourcing
agreement with FutureGen 2.0 (12/19/12) and an
amendatory order (1/29/13).
ComEd petitioned the
Appellate Court of Illinois that the ICC orders be reversed and
the matter be remanded back to ICC (2/22/13).
ICC denied Application for Rehearing of amendatory order
filed by Illinois Competitive Energy Association (ICEA) and
Illinois Industrial Energy
Consumers (IIEC) (3/21/13).
ICEA and the IIEC petitioned the Appellate Court of Illinois
for review of the 3/20/13 ICC order that denied the
application for rehearing. IIEC
also appealed the amendatory order of 1/29/13 by the ICC
(4/3/13 and 4/8/13).
Final Post-Order 2013
Procurement Plan was filed (4/5/13).
Awaiting decision by appellate court.
Illinois – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Illinois General Assembly – Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
HB103 (Rita)
SB103 (Frerichs)
(Koehler) (Holmes) (Hunter) (Steans)
Credit incentive - the House and
Senate bills aim to restructure
procurement process for electricity from clean coal facilities. Also
amends provisions aggregating distributed renewable energy and
the renewable portfolio standard.
Aims to create credit requirements for
suppliers of distributed renewable
energy. The ICC would be required to solicit the use of third-party
organizations to aggregate distributed renewable energy into tranches of at
least one megawatt in installed capacity.
HB103 introduced and referred
to the House Rules Committee
(1/10/13).
SB103 referred to Senate
Energy Committee. Committee
in favor of the bill (3/21/28).
Amendments proposed for SB103 (4/10/13).
Three co-sponsors were added to SB103 (4/17/13).
Awaiting next actions.
HB2864
(Mautino) (Leitch)
(Williams) (Pihos) (Bellock)
(Feigenholtz) (LaVia)
(Jakobsson) (Nekritz) (Gabel)
(Mayfield) (Sente)
(Cassidy) (Moylan)
Renewable Energy Procurement
Standard-Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. For periods
beginning 6/1/13, the IPA’s procurement plans would include
procurement of renewable energy
credits in amounts to be sufficient enough to meet certain renewable
energy resources portfolio standards.
Aims to ensure that the renewable
energy resources standard targets are met.
Referred to the Rules
Committee (3/22/13)
Additional co-sponsors added (8/2/13).
Awaiting next actions.
Illinois General Assembly – Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
HB2922 (Fine) Renewable Energy Source
Standard - Would require energy
suppliers and utilities to provide a renewable energy source as an
option to customers.
Significantly strengthens market
opportunity for developers.
Referred to the Rules
Committee (2/26/13).
Assigned to the Public Utilities
Committee (3/11/13).
Re-referred to Rules Committee (3/22/13).
Awaiting next actions.
HB2753
(Gabel) (Fine)
(Mitchell) (Nekritz) (Feigenholtz)
(Williams) (Evans) (Cassidy) (Mell)
(Moylan)
(Mussman) (Jakobsson)
(Sente) (LaVia) (Dunkin)
Lake Michigan Wind Energy Act -
Requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to develop
offshore wind energy siting matrix
for the public trust lands of Lake Michigan. Upon completion of
matrix, the department would grant offshore development site
assessment permits and leases.
Big step forward for offshore wind
development. Allows for potential new wind energy assets to be produced
from developers on Lake Michigan for
the first time.
Passed General Assembly
(5/31/13).
Signed by the Governor
(8/16/13).
Enacted as Public Act 98-0447.
Awaiting implementation
by the Department of Natural Resources,
including publication of
toolkit on advising developers on the
regulatory and permitting processes.
SB9 (Cullerton)
Smart Grid Bill - Would allow ComEd and Ameren to make $3.2
billion in upgrades to Illinois' power grid over the next decade,
and create a new regulatory
framework under which consumers pay for those upgrades. As part of
the bill, Ameren and ComEd customers will receive new, digital
"smart meters.”
Would help the utilities invest in a smart grid aimed at reducing power
outages and give customers more choice over their electricity use.
Though, this would result in an
increase to customer bills, adding another 40 cents a month in 2014.
Those bills would then jump another 80 cents a month three years later in
2017.
Passed the Senate and arrived in the House (3/14/13).
Sent to the Governor (3/21/13)
and was then vetoed (5/6/13).
General Assembly overrode veto (5/22/13).
Enacted as Public Act 98-0015.
Awaiting implementation by the ICC.
Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
EEP-2012-0002
Case opened on 12/11/12.
MidAmerican filed an application seeking authority from the IUB to
implement its energy efficiency plan for 2014-2018. The plan
includes various programs that will
provide additional incentives and upgrades for its customers aimed
at increasing energy efficiency in their homes.
Sets the framework for deployment of energy efficiency products and
services in the MidAmerican utility territory.
Parties continue to file public and confidential exhibits and
statements of position on the proposed non-unanimous
settlement (9/23-10/3/13).
Awaiting IUB decision.
E-22118
Case opened on 5/10/13.
MidAmerican seeking to build and
operate an electric transmission line in Palo Alto County, Iowa.
Could provide additional opportunities
for renewable resources to connect to the grid.
IUB ordered MidAmerican to
have published two public notices announcing its
intention to build the line
requesting public comment (9/19/13).
Awaiting any public
comments.
Iowa – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Iowa Legislature- Legislative Summary
The Iowa General Assembly has adjourned for the remainder of 2013. Pending bills from 2013 will be reintroduced in January of 2014.
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
HF422 (Kelly) Would establish a study to
encourage expansion of alternate energy production. Strategies
include additional tax credits, expedited approval, and
development and expansion of
grant and loan programs.
Expansion of tax incentives is critical
to increasing market growth.
Introduced and referred to
Commerce Committee (3/5/13).
Referred to Commerce
Subcommittee (3/6/13).
Awaiting subcommittee
action.
SF372 (Committee
on Agriculture)
Wind incentive program - would
develop an incentive program applicable to wind energy
production facilities with a
generating capacity of 30 MW or less seeking to enter into an
interconnection with an electric utility.
Utilities would be required to connect
with a wind production facility via standard offer contracts which would
continue in effect for 10 years, or the
date by which the facility owner has recovered construction and financing
costs.
Introduced to the Senate
(3/11/13).
Referred to the Agriculture
Committee (4/4/13).
Awaiting Agriculture
Committee action.
SF414
(Committee on
Natural Resources & Environment)
Tax incentive - extends the
renewable energy tax credit eligibility dates by three years. In
addition, the bill establishes three
new grant and loan funds, one for wind energy projects and the
other two for solar energy projects.
Financial incentives remain key to
renewable energy project development.
Introduced to Senate
(3/11/13).
Referred to Appropriations
Committee (3/12/13).
Awaiting Appropriation
Committee’s next action.
Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) – Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13-GBEE-803-MIS
Case opened 6/28/13.
Application of Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC for a siting Permit
for the construction of a HVDC
transmission line in Ford, Hodgeman, Edwards, Pawnee,
Barton, Russell, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud, Washington,
Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, and
Doniphan Counties
Would provide for additional renewable resources (wind
generation) to connect to the grid.
Grain Belt Express filed a petition with the KCC objecting to the
KCC granting intervenor status
to a number of parties, contravening the procedural
schedule for the case (9/30/13).
KCC Staff made a filing
indicating its overall support for the project and its specific
support/non-support for route alterations requested by
intervenors (9/30/13).
Evidentiary hearings scheduled for 10/8 –
10/10/13.
Grain Belt Express Initial
Post-Hearing Briefs due by 10/17/13.
Staff and intervenor responsive briefs due by
10/24/13.
Grain Belt Express Reply Brief due 10/31/13.
KCC order expected by 11/12/13.
14-KCPE-074-GIE
Case opened 7/26/13.
Evaluation, measurement, and
verification of Kansas City Power & Light Company's energy
efficiency programs.
Order formally opening the
docket (8/13/13).
Parties continue to file for intervenor status (8/15 –
9/24/13).
Awaiting KCC action.
14-KCPE-042-TAR
Case opened 7/18/13.
Kansas City Power & Light Company Application for
extending demand-side
management (DSM) programs
KCP&L is requesting a modification to extend the end date of its
six active DSM pilot programs until
December 31, 2015.
Commission issued stay of this application until evaluation
results from KCP&L’s energy
efficiency programs are available, likely in the summer of
2014 (8/1/13).
No significant action expected until 2014.
Kansas – Requests for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Kansas Legislature – Legislative Summary
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The Kansas Legislature is in adjournment.
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) – Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13-146 (Unitil)
13-147 (National Grid)
13-148
(NSTAR Electric)
13-149
(Western Massachusetts
Electric Company)
All cases opened on 9/20/13.
Utilities (Unitil, National Grid, NSTAR, and Western
Massachusetts Electric) seeking
DPU’s approval of six Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
covering the long term procurement of Renewable Energy
Certificates.
Market intelligence. No documents have been filed as of yet.
Awaiting DPU action.
13-160
Case opened on 10/2/13.
Petition of NSTAR Electric Company for approval by the of a
proposed Smart Grid Pilot Program
Could provide new opportunities both for smart grid technology providers as
well as energy companies that offer products and services dependent on
smart grid data.
Case opened (10/2/13). Waiting for initial filings to become available.
Massachusetts - Requests for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
n/a Solar Photovoltaic Energy
Program.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Transportation has issued a RFP for a 2013 solar energy
program.
[email protected] 10/17/13
Massachusetts General Court - Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
H.3367 (Smola) A petition (accompanied by bill,
H.3367) for legislation to place a
moratorium on the installation of large scale ground mounted solar
energy systems.
The state has concerns over the issue
of installing large scale ground
mounted solar systems in forested residential districts that could threaten
the safety of residents.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on
Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy (1/22/13).
Hearing held (7/16/13).
Awaiting next action from
the Committee.
H.2677 (Moran) An Act that intends to tax Ground
Mounted Solar systems and have an identified depreciation value
schedule for such systems.
Would impact sales of ground-
mounted solar systems and the tax treatment for customers that install
such units.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Revenue (1/22/13).
Joint House and Senate hearing held (4/9/13).
Awaiting next action.
H.2968 (Peterson)
S.1603 (Knapic,
who has resigned as of 08/13).
An Act establishing a renewable
energy investment commission. The commission will conduct wide-
scale analysis of all renewable energy sectors, regarding private
sector investment capacity;
residential and commercial rate impact of acquiring electricity from
renewable resources; and among other action items.
Such recommendations based off the
commission’s analysis to the legislature could drastically increase
private sector investment into Massachusetts renewable energy
market.
Both bills were introduced and
referred to the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities,
and Energy (1/22/13).
Hearing held (7/23/13).
Awaiting next action from
the Committee on Telecommunications,
Utilities, and Energy.
H.2915 (Calter) Aims to support solar energy
investments by homeowners and businesses.
A crucial bill that would guarantee
purchase of all SRECs (utility companies would be required to
purchase any SRECs remaining after
the close of the SREC auction each year). This would help to guarantee a
source of income for solar projects.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities,
and Energy (1/22/13).
Hearing held (7/16/13).
Awaiting next action from
the Committee on Telecommunications,
Utilities, and Energy.
Massachusetts General Court - Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
H.2986 (Toomey)
An Act regarding consumer choice
of green electricity.
The bill aims to establish fair and
efficient rates (for the end user) for electricity generated from renewable
energy sources.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities,
and Energy (1/22/13).
Hearing held (7/23/13).
Awaiting action from the
Committee on Telecommunications,
Utilities, and Energy.
H.2740 (Smizik) (Joyce)
Would modernize the renewable energy tax exemption, by
removing the tax exemption for
hydro generation and replacing it with exceptions for solar heating
and small (60kw) wind and solar systems.
Would increase the economic benefit for residential and small commercial
installation of renewable energy
systems.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Revenue
(1/22/13).
Hearing held (4/9/13).
Awaiting next action from the Committee on Revenue.
H.2987 (Vieira) The Wind Energy Relief Act. Aims
to provide relief to consumers and businesses who were adversely
affected by the operation of a
wind turbine.
The state is looking to increase their
presence on accommodating those who are affected by wind energy
operations as a result of loss of
property and health effects.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities,
and Energy (1/22/13).
Awaiting next action from
the Committee on Telecommunications,
Utilities, and Energy.
H.792 (Sannicandro)
An Act to Repower Massachusetts. With the target of reaching 100%
emission reductions by January 1, 2022, which will include interim
and longer-term actions necessary for implementation.
Could have a significant impact across all renewable industries throughout
the entire state.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Environment,
Natural Resources, and Agriculture (1/22/13).
Awaiting action from the Committee on Environment,
Natural Resources, and Agriculture.
Michigan Public Service Commission (MIPSC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
U-17072
Case opened on 9/5/2012.
Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCo’s) seeking approval from
MPSC on their revised Renewable
Energy Plan, including proposed exchanges for eligible Renewable
Energy Credits, and approval of prospective reductions in the
renewable energy surcharges.
Could impact developers that sell renewable credits to WEPCo.
WEPCO filed its initial brief requesting for MPSC’s approval
of their RE plan and reductions
in RE surcharges (4/9/13).
MPSC Staff filed reply to the other parties’ briefs. Staff’s
comments agreed with most of
WEPCo’s brief (4/30/13).
WEPCo filed its exceptions to the ALJs Proposal for Decision
and requested that MPSC approve WEPCo’s Renewable
Energy Plan (9/30/13).
Staff requested that the MPSC
grant WEPCo their renewable energy plan (10/2/13).
Awaiting MPSC’s decision on whether to grant WEPCo
their Renewable Energy
Plan.
U-17053
Case opened on 7/31/12.
The Detroit Edison Company is
seeking approval to implement its proposed Advanced Metering
Infrastructure (AMI) Opt-Out
Program. Provides the opportunity for a residential customer to have
a non-transmitting AMI meter installed.
Equitable AMI data access is critical
for suppliers that want to offer products and services related to this
technology and customer usage.
MIPSC filed a notice of
proposal for decision, concluding that the AMI Opt-
Out program is consistent with
cost of service principles except the estimated number
of participants, which is now set at 15,500 customers
(3/22/13).
MIPSC filed an order,
approving the AMI non-transmitting meter provision
for residential customers
(5/15/13).
Parties continue to file
comments on the 5/15/13 MIPSC order.
Michigan Public Service Commission (MIPSC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
U-17000
Case opened on 1/12/12.
MPSC reviewing issues on the
deployment of smart meters by regulated electric utilities. Such
issues include: reviewing utilities’
plans for smart meter deployment including proposed costs and
benefits, and assurance of customer data privacy.
Wide scale investigation on whether
smart meter deployment is in fact contributing to improving the
reliability and efficiency of the grid
while ensuring customer protection. Outcome could have significant impact
on the market for smart grid technology and products.
MPSC staff filed their Smart
Grid Report recommendations to the Commission, reporting
in favor of deployment. The
report recommends that regulated utilities continue to
assess smart grid technologies as part of their efforts to
improve the efficiency of the
grid. Staff further recommended that Advanced
Metering Infrastructure (AMI) investments continue to be
reviewed by the Commission in utility rate cases (6/29/12).
MPSC issued a press release, accepting the MPSC staff’s
6/29/12 report on AMI and directed all investor owned
utilities to make available an
opt-out option, for their customers, when the provider
elects to implement AMI (9/11/12).
Awaiting any further action
from the MIPSC.
Michigan – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Michigan Legislature - Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
SB0322 (Hopgood) Renewable Portfolio Standard - A bill to increase the state’s
Renewable Portfolio Standard from
the current 10% by 2015 to 22% by 2022.
With electric providers already exceeding current targets, this new
goal is a strategic decision to further
encourage renewable energy production and distribution.
Introduced and referred to the Committee on Energy and
Technology (4/17/13).
Awaiting Energy and Technology Committee
vote.
HB4245 (Daley) Tax incentive – would add
property tax exemptions for eligible renewable energy systems.
Increases market demand for onsite
renewable energy systems.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Tax Policy (2/12/13).
Awaiting Tax Policy
Committee Vote.
HB4232 (Ananich)
(Driskel)
Financing – A bill creating a grant
and loan program for renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Increases public entities, such as
school districts to further invest in energy efficiency retrofits and
increasing use of alternative fuels.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Energy and Technology (2/12/13).
Awaiting Committee’s next
action.
HB4062 (Irwin) Zoning - A bill authorizing
structures used for the measurement of wind speed in
agricultural zones.
Continuing to identify wind resource
regions is key to expanding industry.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Local Government (1/22/13).
Awaiting the Committee’s
next action.
HB4315 (McMillin) Advanced Meters – places restrictions on utilities providing
incentives to customers requesting smart meter installments.
Opposes market incentives for advanced meter installments.
Introduced and referred to Committee on Energy and
Technology (2/26/13).
Awaiting Committee’s next action.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
09-1349
Re-opened on 11/20/09.
Four closely related dockets
involved – an application to build a 78-megawatt New Era Wind Farm
in Goodhue County, an application
for a site permit for the wind farm, and a request for approval of two
contracts to sell the electricity from the site to Xcel Energy.
Market intelligence on new renewable
energy projects.
MNPUC issued an order,
reopening its 9/23/11 order granting a certificate of need
in this case (3/20/13).
MNPUC issued an order,
approving the amended power purchase agreements filed by
Xcel Energy and Awa
Goodhue, LLC; contract amendments; and required
more filings (4/28/13).
MNPUC filed an order, rejecting New Era’s request for
an extension of time. New Era
must either surrender its site permit or show cause that it
intends to begin construction by August 23 and that its site
permit should not be revoked
(7/26/13).
Staff filed a briefing paper recommending to the MNPUC
to acknowledge that Xcel’s and New Era’s contracts have been
terminated and to close the
dockets (10/3/13).
Hearing to be held in order
for MNPUC to find whether the Power Purchase
Agreements have been
terminated by the parties and close the dockets, on
10/10/13.
Parties continue to file
comments.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13-193
Opened on 3/15/13.
EDF Renewables seeking approval
from the MNPUC to build the 100 MW Stoneray Wind Project in
Pipestone and Murray Counties.
EDF is specifically requesting that MNPUC grant it exemptions from
certain data requirements that are inapplicable/unnecessary to
determine the need for the
project.
Market intelligence on new renewable
energy projects.
Parties filed comments on
whether the MNPUC should grant the exemptions to the
certificate of need filing
content requirements requested by EDF (4/5/13).
Stoneray Power Partners filed
its public and non-public trade
secret versions of the Certificate of Need (“CON”) for
its planned wind energy project (4/26/13).
MNPUC granted EDF’s request
for an exemption from certain
data filing requirements (4/29/13).
Initial comments were filed on
the merits of the application
(9/13/13).
Reply comments on the
merits of the application are due on 10/11/13.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
E002/M-10-1278
Case opened on 10/20/10.
Xcel Energy seeking MNPUC
approval of Xcel’s revisions to the Solar Rewards Program. Such
revisions include: providing
rebates to customers, allowing Xcel ability to limit installed
capacity at any one location; and allowing customers to waive
installations of bi-directional
metering.
Financial incentives are critical to
market growth and increases exposure to new end users.
MNPUC filed an order,
approving Xcel’s proposed revisions. MNPUC further
ordered that Xcel not be held
responsible for replacement of forgone Renewable Energy
Credits or refund to ratepayers of Solar Rewards or Minnesota
Bonus incentive payments (in
cases where a Solar Rewards customer breaches the
contract) (3/1/13).
Staff filed its recommendations to the Commission on whether
Commission should accept
Xcel’s proposal to file its Effective Load Carrying
Capability study (submitted in 2012) and whether the
Commission should propose a
solar rate derived from it and from the Company’s Solar
Load Profile Study (4/25/13).
MNPUC filed an Order, setting the interim rate and directing
Xcel to modify its Standby
Service tariff (5/13/13).
Excel filed its annual compliance filing for the
Company’s Solar Rewards
program (8/21/13).
Xcel is directed to file a
large customer photovoltaic rate proposal that reflects
the value of solar resources
on Xcel’s system on 10/1/13.
Xcel is directed work with
stakeholders to explore and
develop the solar rate proposal.
Per MNPUC’s 3/1/13 order,
MNPUC has directed Xcel to meet with stakeholders to
MNPUC will consider the
issue regarding the use of AC versus DC output
capacity as the determinant for project size and
incentive determination.
Xcel must report back to the MNPUC on this topic by
9/1/13.
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MNPUC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
E-002/CI-13-315
Case opened on 5/1/13.
In the matter of identifying and
developing a rate that reflects the value provided by large solar
photovoltaic installations. MNPUC’s
investigation into Xcel’s solar load profile data study. All filings
related to the study in Dockets No. 10-971 and 10-1278 filed on
8/24/12 have become part of this
docket.
Will help determine the value of large
solar generation in meeting peak demand and how such resources
should be priced.
Xcel Energy provided its initial
filing, submitting its preliminary Effective Load
Carrying Capability (ELCC)
study (5/1/13).
Parties filed initial comments and reply comments on Xcel’s
compliance filing regarding
Xcel’s agreement to study the load profile of large solar
generation facilities (5/10/13).
Xcel Energy petitioned to extend the interim solar
Standby Service capacity credit
of $5.15 per kW per month for Large Solar Photovoltaic
installations. Xcel also requested for extension of
time to submit the Effective
Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) study, until 10/31/13
(10/1/13).
Awaiting MNPUC’s decision
on whether to grant Xcel’s requests.
Parties continue to file comments on Xcel’s
compliance filing regarding Xcel’s agreement to study
the load profile of large
solar generation facilities.
IP6843/WS-10-425
Case opened on 5/13/10.
Prairie Rose Wind, LLC is seeking a Large Wind Energy Conversion
System Site Permit for the 200 MW Prairie Rose Wind Farm in
Rock and Pipestone Counties.
Market intelligence on new renewable energy projects.
MNPUC filed an order, approved the Post-
Construction Noise Study Methodology pursuant to
the site permit (4/30/13).
Prairie Rose Wind continues to submit its compliance
filings.
Minnesota - Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Minnesota State Legislature-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The Minnesota State Legislature is in adjournment.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
EO12090799 (Atlantic City
Electric Company)
EO12080750
(Jersey Central Power & Light
Company)
Petition of Atlantic City Electric Company (ACE) and Jersey Central
Power & Light (JCP&L), concerning
a proposal for an extended Renewable Solar Energy Credit
(SREC)-based financing program.
For solar developers this could impact their product and service offerings.
Hearing held. BPU ordered to allow for additional time for a
thorough review of the
proposed JCP&L Program and the ACE Program (9/18/13).
The review period has extended until 10/21/13.
New Jersey - Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
n/a Solar Electric Panel Installation. The Borough of Spotswood has issued a RFP for the installation of solar
electric panels on the new roof of the
Borough Public Works Building.
David J. Samuel, P.E., Borough Engineer, CME Associates
3141 Bordentown Avenue,
Parlin, New Jersey
10/18/13
n/a Solar Photovoltaic System. The Borough of Bradley Beach has issued a RFP for the installation of
solar electric panels on the roof of the expansion to the Borough Public
Works Building.
David J. Samuel, P.E., Borough Engineer, CME Associates
3141 Bordentown Avenue, Parlin, New Jersey
12/20/13
New Jersey Legislature-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A175 (Caputo) Directs the New Jersey Department of Transportation
along with other agencies to
prepare a study and report on solar and wind installations,
examining the potential for such installations on state owned
property.
The state seeks to expand wind and solar leasing to certain state lands
(i.e. highways).
Introduced and referred to the Assembly Transportation,
Works and Independent
Authorities Committee (1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the Committee.
A222 (DeAngelo) Would grants eligibility for solar renewable energy certificates
(SRECs) to solar facilities
connected to net metering customer's side of the meter, or
directly connected to the electric grid at 69 kilovolts or less.
Would increase number of solar facilities eligible to be granted SRECs.
Introduced and referred to the Assembly Transportation,
Works and Independent
Authorities Committee (1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the Committee.
A1088 (Quijano)
(Gusciora)
A bill that would require contracts
of non-utility load serving entities purchasing solar renewable energy
certificates (SRECs) to be long
term contracts for 15 years or more.
Would require competitive electricity
suppliers to enter into long-term contracts for the purchase of SRECs.
Introduced and referred to the
Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
(1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the
Committee.
A1158 (Lampitt)
S568 (Madden)
(Greenstein)
Encourages purchase of NJ solar
panels and wind turbines for State projects and State-funded
projects. Contracts would be awarded to the lowest bidder.
This bill grants a preference to New
Jersey businesses in the awarding of any government entity contracts for
solar panels, wind turbines in support of renewable businesses and jobs in
the state.
A1158 was introduced and
referred to the Assembly State Government Committee
(1/10/12).
S568 was introduced and
referred to the Senate Energy and Environment Committee
(1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the
Committee.
A1356 (Rible) (DeAngelo)
(Coutinho)
Would require all newly constructed state buildings to
have solar or geothermal energy
systems.
The state strongly supporting market increase of solar development.
Introduced and referred to the Assembly State Government
Committee (1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the Committee.
New Jersey Legislature-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A2507 (Prieto)
(Eustace)
(DeAngelo)
S1306 (Sarlo) (Oroho)
Establishes a Solar Thermal
Expansion program.
The program will offer low-interest
loans to the owners or operators of
private commercial or industrial facilities that may be used exclusively
for the installation of solar thermal systems.
S1306 was introduced and
referred to Senate Energy and
Environment Committee (1/30/12).
A2507 was introduced and
referred to Assembly
Telecommunications and Utilities Committee (2/21/12).
A2507 was reported out of
Telecom. and Utilities and Committee. Referred to
Assembly Appropriations
Committee (5/10/12).
Awaiting action from
Senate Energy and
Environment Committee and Assembly
Appropriations Committee.
A1363 (Rible) (Angelini) (Wolfe)
Prohibits the siting of industrial wind turbines within 2,000 feet of
any residence.
Limits the space available for large scale wind systems.
Introduced and referred to Assembly Telecommunications
and Utilities Committee (1/10/12).
Awaiting Committee action.
A3108 (McHose)
(Space)
Would repeal law establishing
offshore wind energy certificate program.
Can negatively impact offshore wind
energy developers. On the other hand could help competing onshore wind
developers, balancing out competition.
Introduced and referred to
Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
(6/8/12).
Awaiting action from the
Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
S617 (Sweeney) (Kean)
Allows for tax credits for the development of qualified wind
energy facilitates in the Port
District of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Expands new regions to become considered as a “wind energy zone.”
Introduced and referred to the Senate Budget and
Appropriations Committee
(1/10/12).
Awaiting action from the Committee.
New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
03-00188
NYPSC’s ongoing implementation and oversight of the Retail
Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Significant market impact on solar and wind developers and installers.
NYPSC issued an order reallocating $32 million in
funds from the RPS (6/20/13).
NYPSC authorized NYSERDA to
enter into a 10-year “maintenance” resource
contract with Azure Mountain
Power Company (6/20/13).
Parties filed comments on NYSERDA’s 3/25/13 petition
for modifications to the NY-Sun PV programs (7/1/13 –
7/2/13).
NYPSC authorized to create a new tier in the Standard Offer
solar PV program with a lower
incentive level (7/22/13).
NYSERDA submitted a series of reports, in support of the
NYPSC’s 2013 review of the
RPS Program Main Tier (9/5/13).
NYSERDA filed a petition,
addressing NY-Sun funding
considerations and program implementation for 2014-2015
(9/5/13).
Awaiting NYPSC’s response to NYSERDA’s petition.
New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
07-00906
Iberdrola seeking NYPSC approval of the Acquisition of Energy East
Corporation.
Market intelligence. Parties filed reports (6/28/13 – 8/30/13).
New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and
Rochester Gas and Electric
Corporation continue to file reports.
12-E-0485
(Con Edison)
12-E-0486 (NY State Electric
and Gas Corp.)
12-E-0487
(Niagra Mohawk)
12-E-0488
(Orange & Rockland Utilities)
12-E-0489
(Rochester Gas & Electric)
12-E-0490 (Central Hudson
Gas & Electric)
Cases opened on 10/22/12.
NYPSC investigation into Net
Metering Limitations in the service territories of the following utilities:
Con Edison, NY State Electric & Gas Corp., Niagra Mohawk,
Orange & Rockland, Rochester
Gas & Electric and Central Hudson.
Could lead to a large increase in the
net-metering limitations for solar and other renewable technologies, to
accommodate the state-wide solar photovoltaic
installation goals of the NY-Sun
initiative.
NYPSC filed an order, agreeing
to increase each utility’s system-wide net
metering limitations for photovoltaic projects
to 3 percent of the system
peak load from the current 1 percent. The
increase will make available sufficient net metering to
accommodate the
state-wide solar photovoltaic installation goals of the NY-
Sun initiative (6/20/13).
Awaiting any last actions
and input from the NYPSC.
Utilities are directed to file tariff amendments by
7/1/13.
New York - Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
RFP 2801 (NYSERDA)
Implementation and Support Services for the CST Standard
Offer PV and Solar Thermal
Programs.
Will competitively select a statewide program implementation and support
contractor for the CST Standard Offer
PV and Solar Thermal Programs.
J. Quirk [email protected]
October 2013
n/a Solar Energy Generating Facilities. The town of North Hempstead has issued a RFP for development of
utility-scale solar energy generating facilities.
n/a 10/9/13
Program Opportunity Notice
(PON) 2439
On-Site Wind Turbine Incentive Program.
NYSERDA announcing the availability of approximately $13.8 million in
incentives to encourage the
installation of end-use wind energy systems for residential, commercial,
institutional or government use.
[email protected] 12/31/13
New York State Assembly-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A00498 (Paulin)
S01074 (Savino)
Would require local building and planning regulations to
accommodate the use of
renewable energy resources such as solar thermal, photovoltaic, and
wind.
Will help simplify installation process with respect to building codes and
requirements and result in increased
installation output of distributed renewable generation.
Both bills were introduced and referred to the committee on
local governments (1/9/13).
Reported out of the committee
on local governments and referred to Ways and Means
Committee (3/12/13). Reported out of Ways and
Means Committee (4/16/13).
Awaiting House debate.
New York State Assembly-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A01366A (Colton)
S02529A
(Marcellino)
Exempts a homeowner from any tax increases when installing a
solar energy, wind energy, or
waste energy system on their home after January 1, 2016.
Consumer incentive for product purchasing.
A01366A was introduced and referred to the Committee on
Real Taxation Property.
S02529A was introduced and referred to the Committee on
Local Governments (1/9/13).
A01366A was amended and
directed back to committee on Real Taxation Property
(5/2/13).
S02529A advanced to the Senate floor for a third debate
(6/10/13).
S02529A was reported to the
Committee on Rules (6/21/13).
Bill A0136AA is awaiting for action from the Committee
on Real Taxation Property.
Bill S02529A is being considered in the
Committee on Rules.
A01380 (Cahill)
S02513 (Maziarz)
Establishes a tax credit for businesses which manufacture
solar energy equipment.
Seeks to strengthen the solar manufacturing sector.
A02380 was introduced and referred to the House
Committee on Ways and Means (1/9/13).
S02513 was introduced and referred to the Committee on
Investigations and Government Operations
(1/18/13).
Awaiting action from both committees.
New York State Assembly-Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A05060D
(Englebright)
Enacts the New York Sun Act of
2013; establishes a solar energy
incentive and financing program.
The bill focuses on the modifications
to its existing programs that
encourage the development of qualified solar photovoltaic generating
systems. Will allow clear incentive for businesses to make capital
investments in solar and energy
storage development.
Passed the Assembly
(6/20/13).
Delivered to the Senate and
referred to the Senate Committee on Rules (6/20/13).
Awaiting action from the
Committee on Rules.
A03885 (Thiele)
S03057 (Lavalle)
Establishes a solar feed-in tariff
pilot program, to be implemented
and administered by the Long Island Power Authority.
The pilot program would require LIPA
to pay $0.32 per kilowatt hour for
solar energy produced by solar generation facilities within its service
territories.
A03885 was introduced and
referred to the Committee on
Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions (1/29/13).
S03057 was introduced and
referred to the Committee on
Energy and Telecommunications
(1/29/13).
S03057 was reported out of the Committee on Energy and
Telecommunications and to
the Committee on Finance (4/23/13).
Awaiting next actions.
A06312
(Gabryszak)
Would provide separate personal
income tax credits for wind energy, solar electric, solar
thermal systems installed by the
residence of a taxpayer.
Would change tax benefits for
residential installation of renewable energy systems.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means (3/22/13).
Enacting clause stricken (4/22/13).
Awaiting next action.
New York State Assembly-Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
A0789
(Saladino)
Would authorize the county of
Nassau to be exempt from certain
related taxes on any solar system installed.
Such legislation is aims to attract
research and development companies
and solar equipment manufacturing companies or startups to the region.
Referred to the Committee on
Ways and Means (5/1/13).
Awaiting action from the
Committee on Ways and
Means.
A06170 (Englebright)
S03873
(Ball)
Provides for the net metering of solar, wind, and fuel cell, and
farmwaste electric generating systems residential and business
customers.
Would raise the size of eligible technology systems to 2 megawatts
and would remove the cap on the amount of on-site generation eligible
for net metering within each utility
territory.
S03873 was introduced and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Telecommunications
(2/26/13).
A06170 was introduced and
referred to the Committee on Energy (3/15/13).
Awaiting action from both committees.
North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
PU-13-064 Case opened on 2/1/13.
The application of Courtenay Wind Farm, LLC seeking authorization to
build a wind energy project
consisting of 200.5 MW with wind turbines ranging up to 3 MW, to
be located in to be located in Stutsman County, ND.
Market intelligence on new renewable energy projects.
Courtenay Wind Farm, LLC filed its application with the
NDPSC (4/8/13).
Public hearing held (7/12/13).
Awaiting NDPSC’s next action.
North Dakota – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
North Dakota Legislative Assembly-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The North Dakota Legislative Assembly is adjourned for the remainder of 2013.
Ohio Public Utility Commission (PUCO) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
13-0652-EL-ORD
13-0651-EL-ORD
Case opened on 3/13/13.
PUCO’s review of its rules on the Alternative Energy Portfolio
Standard and its rules on energy
efficiency programs.
Alternative Energy Standards impact all stakeholders in the renewable
energy space.
A workshop was held intended as an opportunity for PUCO
Staff to receive feedback from
interested stakeholders before Staff issues draft rules and
opens them up for formal comment (4/23/13). Also please view an archived webcast.
Awaiting PUCO action.
12-2050-EL-ORD
Case opened on 7/12/12.
PUCO investigation into whether
rules need to be
changed/amended regarding Net metering issues.
Such revisions seek to further
streamline the regulatory process as
well as identify credit incentive improvements for end users.
PUCO filed an order, parties
have until 1/7/13 to file
comments on issues in PUCO’s proposed revisions, regarding
net metering (11/7/12).
Parties filed comments on
PUCO’s revisions (1/7/13).
Parties filed reply comments (2/6/13).
Parties filed supplemental comments on the proposed additional amendments (8/6/13). Parties filed reply comments (8/16/13).
Awaiting PUCO’s next
action.
Ohio Public Utility Commission (PUCO) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
12-2051-EL-ORD
Case opened on 7/16/12.
PUCO investigation into whether grid interconnection services need
to be amended. One rule under
consideration would require that the interconnection queue be
made publicly available, much like the PJM queue. In addition, PUCO
is considering whether it should
remove the 20 megawatt capacity limit for generating facilities.
A publicly available interconnection queue could provide developers and
utilities with greater predictability
regarding the feasibility and costs of interconnecting at a certain
location. Expanding the 20 megawatt capacity limit would increase market
growth for generating facilities.
Per PUCO’s 1/6/13 order, parties filed supplemental
comments on the proposed
rule changes (1/31/13).
Parties filed supplemental reply comments (2/7/13).
Awaiting PUCO action.
12-1924-EL-ORD
Case opened on 6/25/12.
PUCO review of its rules for
competitive retail electric service.
Potentially result in changes to retail
electricity and natural gas rules, which can have an impact on renewable
developers.
PUCO issued for comment
revisions to the rules for natural gas competition
(11/7/12), for electricity competition (11/7/12), for
electric companies (11/7/13).
PUCO issued an order,
requesting comments on a proposed rule that would allow
customers to opt-out of advanced meter installation on
their premises (7/10/13).
Parties filed comments on the
7/10/13 order (8/6/13).
Parties filed more comments
and supplemental reply comments (8/16/13).
Awaiting PUCO to issue a
final order.
Ohio – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
n/a Renewable energy RFP - FirstEnergy Corp.
First Energy Corp. has announced a RFP to purchase renewable energy
credits and solar renewable energy
credits for its Ohio utilities. The SRECs and RECs must be generated between
Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2013.
FirstEnergy 10/14/13
Ohio General Assembly-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
SB34 (Jordan) Would amend sections of the Ohio law to repeal the requirement that
electric distribution utilities and electric services companies
provide 25% of their retail power
supplies from renewable energy resources by 2025.
Would significantly reduce opportunities for renewable energy
project developers in Ohio.
Introduced and referred to the Public Utilities Committee
(2/12/13).
Awaiting Public Utilities Committee action.
SB58 (Seitz) Would review and possibly modify
the energy efficiency, peak demand reduction, and alternative
energy resource provisions established by Ohio law governing
competitive retail electric service.
Requires that a cost-benefit analysis
of the competitive retail electric service law be prepared to determine
whether consumers are deriving sufficient benefits based on how the
benefits and costs are allocated. Increases pricing transparency for
customers.
Introduced and referred to the
Public Utilities Commission (2/27/13).
Awaiting Public Utilities
Commission action.
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
No relevant case pending.
South Dakota – Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
South Dakota Legislature-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
The South Dakota Legislature is adjourned for the remainder of 2013.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (WPSC) - Docket Summary
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
2535-CE-100
Case opened on 6/30/11.
Renewable Construction Case - Application of Highland Wind
Farm, LLC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity
(CPCN) to Construct a 102.5 MW
Wind Electric Generation Facility, to be Located in the Towns of
Forest and Cylon, St. Croix County, Wisconsin.
Market intelligence on new renewable energy projects.
Note: a power plant with a rated
capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) or
more must have a CCPCN from the WPSC before plant-related
construction can begin.
WPSC issued a Final Order denying the CCPCN
application, because Highland failed to demonstrate that
project would comply with the
nighttime noise limit (3/15/13).
WPSC filed an Order granting
Highland’s petition to Reopen the case (5/14/13). The proceeding is reopened solely for taking evidence on whether/how Highland’s proposed project can meet the noise standards. Public comments filed by the parties (7/25/13 – 8/13/13).
Parties filed briefs and reply
comments (9/3/13 – 9/12/13).
WPSC denied the appeal of the
Administrative Law Judge’s decision to exclude certain
evidence relating to the use of smaller turbines filed on behalf
of the Town of Forest. WPSC
directed the Gas and Energy Division to draft an order
consistent with its discussion (9/13/13).
Awaiting WPSC decision to grant or deny the appeal.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (WPSC) - Docket Summary (cont.)
Docket Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
5-EI-147
Case opened on 1/15/09.
WPSC investigation to assess Wisconsin’s potential for the
development of utility investments in solar energy resources to cost-
effectively contribute to
Wisconsin’s electric supply.
The Solar Collaborative Working Group is conducting a technical
and economic assessment, and plans to make a draft report on
this assessment available for
public comment.
The study can lead to major impacts on the solar industry in the state.
The Solar Collaborative Working Group was held to
finalize edits to the Draft Report and next steps
(4/12/12).
Awaiting WPSC action.
Wisconsin - Request for Proposals (RFPs) Summary
RFP Number Title Description Contact Due Date
No relevant RFPs currently available.
Wisconsin State Legislature-Legislative Summary
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
SB47 (Grotham) Renewable energy requirements
for electric utilities – would change
the deadlines for electric providers to provide renewable energy
electricity, requiring an electric provider to ensure the percentage
of renewable energy sold to its
customers in 2011 and the years following does not decrease below
the percentage required under 2010 law, (2% above its baseline
renewable energy percentage.)
This would be a setback from the
existing law, prolonging the existing
schedules for incremental increase of renewable energy sold by utilities. The
existing law intended to require a greater Renewable energy percentage
to be sold in shorter period of time
Introduced and referred to Energy, Consumer Protection, and Government Reform Committee (2/28/13).
Awaiting Committee action.
AB83 (Jacque) (Murtha)
(Bernier) (Bies)
(Endsley) (Kestell) (Klenke)
(Knudson) (LeMaheiu)
(Spiros) (Thiesfeldt)
SB71 (LaSee) Ellis)
(Leibham) (Grothman)
(Moulton)
Regulation of wind energy systems by local governments. Allows a
political subdivision (city, village,
town, or county) to impose a restriction on a wind energy
system that is more restrictive than the PSC rules, but only if the
restriction satisfies one of the foregoing three conditions.
Zoning issues – restricts type of land to be used for wind energy sites.
The “more restrictive” provision would allow for a political subdivision to deny
application for approval if the proposed wind site is in an area
primarily designated for future residential/commercial development.
SB71 introduced and referred to Committee on Government
Operations, Public Works, and
Telecommunications (3/8/13).
Public hearing held on SB71 (3/21/13). Transcript not yet available. SB71- Fiscal estimate was
received (3/20/13).
AB83 was introduced and referred to the Committee on
Energy and Utilities (3/14/13).
AB83 - Fiscal estimate was
received (4/2/13).
Awaiting for Committees’ action on both bills.
Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
Wisconsin State Legislature-Legislative Summary (cont.)
Note: Primary bill sponsor in parentheses next to bill number.
SB167 (LaSee) Allows for a person to be
compensated for additional
damages caused by wind energy systems. Current law allows one to
recover up to $500 for attorney fees.
Significantly increases penalty costs to
be collected by the prevailing plaintiff.
Additional compensation would include: physical/emotional
harm, compensation for loss of property value, and for expenses
incurred by the injured person.
Introduced and referred to the
Committee on Judiciary and
Labor (4/30/13).
Awaiting Committee on
Judiciary and Labor action.
SB64 (Risser) (Lehman)
(Miller) (Schultz)
Renewable energy goals for state energy consumption and for
energy use by state agencies. This bill requires the WIPSC to prepare
a report in addition to the
upcoming 2016 report, that another report be completed no
later than 6/1/26 that states by 12/31/25 the state has met a goal
that 25% of electricity consumed
is derived from renewable resources.
Helps ensure that state agencies are reaching their RE % targets regarding
amount of electricity consumed come from RE sources.
Introduced and referred to Committee on Energy,
Consumer Protection, and Government Reform (3/7/13).
Fiscal estimates received (4/23/13).
Awaiting Committee action.
AB34 (Jacque)
(Tittl) (Bies) (Brooks)
(LeMahieu) (Murphy) (J. Ott)
(Schraa) (Stone)
(Marklein)
RES - Under existing law nuclear
energy is not included in the RES, because it’s not defined as a
“renewable resource.” This bill allows for nuclear energy to be
used for compliance with the RES.
For renewable advocates not in favor
of nuclear energy counting towards the RES, this could be seen as
detrimental. Could reduce the opportunities for mainstream
renewable energy projects (wind,
solar, etc.) under the RES.
Introduced and referred to
Committee on Energy and Utilities (2/18/13).
Awaiting Committee on
Energy and Utilities action.
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Bill Number Description Why Does It Matter? Most Recent Action Next Action
