TGIF. There are lots of stories and opinions this week. Let’s start with some intrigue. CommonWealth Magazine reports that some environmentalists are “alleging that the 1,200 megawatt clean energy solicitation developed by the Baker administration is biased in favor of large-scale hydro projects favored by some of the state’s utilities.” The intrigue comes in because “the state’s electric utilities are not only helping to write the RFP with the Department of Energy Resources but expect to benefit from it by building the transmission lines that deliver the power.”
Questions about the future Rehoboth Gas Compressor Station and the Access Northeast Pipeline are also rattling around in the Attleboro area according to the Sun Chronicle. Some suggest (hope?) that the cancellation of a public meeting means the project is dead. Others say, not so fast. One item that appears to be dead is the Brockton Power Plant proposal with the news from WickedLocal this week that the land where it was to be sited is up for sale.
In Connecticut, Bloomberg says environmental groups opposed to subsidies for nuclear power may be facing a do-or-die moment when it comes to legislation to help bail-out Millstone Nuclear.
And, lastly, I’m not sure how this fits with “competitive” as in competitive energy markets, but Energy Manager Today reports that in Maine, legislation has been filed that would prohibit a competitive electricity provider from charging a residential consumer a rate for generation service that is higher than the rate charged for standard-offer service. Not sure how that will fly with those who opt to pay more to support renewable generation.
Don’t forget to check out the events page. Have a great weekend.
Natural Gas/Pipeline/Plants
Pipeline developers pursue multi-pronged approach, Hartford Business
Killingly postpones meeting on proposed power plant issues, Norwich Bulletin
6600 spills from fracking in just four states, Science Daily
Fracking Caused Pennsylvania Earthquakes, New Report Confirms, EcoWatch
Cancellation of meeting on Rehoboth gas compressor station raises questions about status of project, The Sun Chronicle
Pipeline advocates gird for battle, The Sun Chronicle
Weymouth mayor looks to state permitting process to halt Spectra station, Wicked Local Weymouth
Baker: State has ‘minor role’ in permitting for Weymouth compressor, The Patriot Ledger
Weymouth compressor station foes raise money for legal battle, The Patriot Ledger
Local pipeline opponents stand with Standing Rock, The Recorder
Trump Eyes Easing Obama Rules for Sprawling Pipeline Network, Bloomberg
Natural Gas Bulls Crushed As Prices Tank, OilPrice.com
How booming US natural gas exports could affect power utilities and consumers, Utility DIVE
Environmental group to EFSB: Pull the plug on Brockton Power over bait-and-switch tactics, WickedLocal
Eversource facing big Beacon Hill challenge, CommonWealth Magazine
Renewable Energy
Clean energy intrigue alleged, CommonWealth Magazine
Could Massachusetts run on all renewable energy by 2050?, Wicked Local Medford
Study throws cold water on residential solar-plus-storage economics, Utility DIVE
Overheard at the 3rd Annual Energy Storage Policy Forum, RTO Insider
Baker urged to lead on anti-carbon compact changes, wwlp.com
New farmland harvest – solar energy – creating political sparks, The CT Mirror
New Hampshire church hits zoning snag over solar panels, Press Herald
Why Wind Turbines Should Talk to Each Other, Greentech Media
New Campaign Celebrates Growing Renewable Energy Sector, Solar Industry
Connecticut DEEP rejects two utility storage pilots as too costly, Utility DIVE
Chemists improve batteries for renewable energy storage, Phys.Org
Wind Briefly Sets Record as Source for Electricity in US, Climate Central
Alabama company buys closed biomass power plant in northern Maine, Press Herald
Retiring worn-out wind turbines could cost billions that nobody has, Energy Central
Eversource gains approval for 23-acre solar farm on Montague Plains, MassLive.com
Merrimack officials debate solar panel tax exemptions, The Union Leader
Covanta Extends Partnership with Southeastern Connecticut Communities for Sustainable Waste Disposal, Energy Central
FuelCell officials hope proposed legislation will aid energy procurement in Connecticut, Register Citizen
Baker, officials tout solar incentive program, MetroWest Daily News
US grid can handle more offshore wind power, cutting pollution and power costs, Science Daily
Energy Efficiency
How Every State Benefits from Energy Efficiency Standards, Natural Resources Defense Council
Partnership gives cities such as Somerville millions in energy grants, Wicked Local Somerville
Internet of Things helped Connecticut district cut electricity bill by 84%, Education Dive
Energy groups urge Congress to advance efficiency bill, Daily Energy Insider
Greenfield energy department reduces carbon, costs, Going Green
Nuclear
Closure of Vermont Yankee nuclear plant boosted greenhouse gas emissions in New England, MassLive.com
Dominion’s Nuclear ‘Bailout’ a Do-or-Die Moment for Opponents, Bloomberg
Yankee sale may be in ’18, Rutland Herald
Connecticut girds for nuclear power debate as critics line up against Millstone support bill, Utility DIVE
Public input sought on Seabrook nuke plant degradation, Seacoastonline.com
Citizens panel wants help to deal with Vermont Yankee sale, Commons
Endless nuclear power can be found in the seas, EnGadget
Markets/Grid/Policy/Prices/Etc.
New Maine Legislation Would Cap Retail Pricing, Energy Manager Today
Local officials, environmentalists raise concerns about EPA under Pruitt, MetroWest Daily News
Senate bill could open the door to ratepayer-funded energy projects, Concord Monitor
Land once targeted for Brockton Power project goes up for sale, WickedLocal
Utility raises concerns on emission targets, CommonWealth Magazine
Eversource reports profit gain on eve of key state hearings, Thehour.com
This outspoken refrigeration technician is LePage’s go-to energy advisor, Press Herald
Eversource Investing $36 Million in Tree Trimming, CapeCod.com
Newton names Ann Berwick as co-director of sustainability, WickedLocal Newton
Mansfield, North Attleboro electric departments oppose new environmental regulations, Sun Chronicle
Editorial/Opinion
As I See It: Accelerating electric vehicle use, Worcester Telegram
How to fight climate change without Washington, Boston Globe
Don’t put customers on the hook for pipeline costs, by Susan Wessels, The Keene Sentinel
Pressure LePage to strengthen RGGI, Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel
PUC decision cripples Maine solar industry, Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel
PUC decision confirms ratepayers pay twice, The Maine Wire
Sorry, Coal. Solar Is Where the Jobs Are, Fortune
Wind and solar power are disrupting electricity systems, The Economist
Karl Meyer: Connecticut River power storage plant is an ecological, economic and energy disaster, Vtdigger.org
Maine needs the good-paying jobs nuclear energy provides, Bangor Daily News
Northeast Energy News 