New England states push off next offshore wind procurement

OFFSHORE WIND: Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island officials push off the next offshore wind procurement by almost two months while waiting for federal tax credit guidance. (Rhode Island Current)

ALSO:

• A coalition of anti-offshore wind groups sues several federal agencies and their leaders over the approvals of the South Fork and Revolution wind power projects, citing nine federal acts. (RTO Insider, subscription)
• Eversource Energy’s stock price has continued to tumble after the utility announced it would take an up to $1.6 billion write-off related to its exit from two offshore wind projects. (Boston Globe)

GAS:

• A gas explosion in Washington, DC, destroys a convenience store attached to a daycare center, where firefighters evacuated 16 children; officials say the incident was caused by a car striking the gas meter. (NBC News, WUSA)
• A tractor trailer hauling compressed natural gas cylinders crashes in southern Maine, causing a 15-hour road closure as the ​“complex and highly sensitive” scene is cleared. (News Center Maine, WMTW)
• Maine lawmakers consider a bill to stop gas pipeline expansion in the state and prevent gas utilities from offering promotions to potential or current customers. (WGME)

CLEAN ENERGY: New York regulators give Con Edison the go-ahead for the $1.2 billion Idlewild project, which will result in the splitting of a substation and the creation of two new substations. (Reuters, MarketWatch)

POLICY:

• Maryland’s governor won’t be able to put much of his ambitious climate plan into action this year as the state faces a $1.1 billion budget shortfall. (E&E News)
• Massachusetts’ legislative leaders are eyeing a climate omnibus bill for 2024, with one saying he hopes a package will be up for consideration sometime this spring. (RTO Insider, subscription)

FLOODS: In New York City, some homes elevated to withstand flood waters include mini lifts for residents who can’t make it up the new staircases, but those floods can still damage the lifts’ power systems, essentially trapping people with disabilities. (The City)

AFFORDABILITY:

• National Grid proposes a gas rate hike in New York that could cause some ratepayers to pay over $300 more per year on their bills. (PIX11)
• Massachusetts utility regulators open an investigation into high utility costs and request public comment from those struggling with their energy burden. (news release)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• Potomac Edison proposes a five-year pilot program to help build out electric school bus infrastructure and purchase buses. (news release)

Newark, Delaware’s police department uses an Energize Delaware grant to add its first electric vehicle to its fleet: a Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up truck. (Delaware News Journal)