Philadelphia Gas Commission limits stakeholder participation

FOSSIL FUELS: The Philadelphia Gas Commission decides to limit third-party stakeholders from participating in the municipal utility’s budget process over activists’ concerns that it will reduce transparency and public input. (WHYY)

ALSO: A preliminary federal report finds a fatal August 11 gas explosion at a Bel Air, Maryland, home was preceded by two reports of gas odors the night before, and that the local utility had previously been fined over the proximity of gas and power lines. (Baltimore Sun)

BUILDINGS: In Maryland, Baltimore County’s council decides to use state funds to convert part of a decommissioned coal plant site into a waterfront park. (Baltimore Sun)

TRANSIT:

• The Massachusetts Port Authority says it’s seeking $280 million in federal grants to electrify its container and cruise ship terminals and reduce emissions at its facilities, with plans to spend another $70 million from its own coffers. (WGBH)
• Two Massachusetts lawmakers introduce legislation to provide businesses with tax credits if they offer public transit subsidies as a worker benefit. (WHDH)

AFFORDABILITY:

• Connecticut’s governor says a special legislative session on electric rate relief won’t be enough to solve affordability issues, given that ​“the fundamental problem we have right here is supply and demand.” (CT Mirror)
• Maine regulators say they will soon draft new rules disallowing utilities from using ratepayer funds for advertising, lobbying and political expenses and requiring them to account for and report such expenses. (Portland Press Herald)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: In New York, the Oneida Indian Nation is set to receive nearly $13 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to install 52 electric vehicle fast charging stations in its territory. (WUTR)

GRID:

• State lawmakers across the PJM Interconnection territory, still blown away by a leap in capacity prices in the grid operator’s last auction, are considering new policies and regulations to try to bring prices down in the next 2026-2027 capacity auction. (Utility Dive)
• A central Maine town will vote in November on a 180-day moratorium on new high-voltage power lines within its borders over concerns about the Aroostook Renewable Gateway Project. (Morning Sentinel)

SOLAR:

• Maryland energy officials kick off an application period for funds to install solar systems at parking lots and garages, with up to $4.8 million available for FY 2025. (news release)
• A private equity firm in Texas has purchased bankrupt Vermont solar developer iSun, which will be rebranded as Legacy Solar under a new leadership team. (VT Digger)
• Workers begin building a 3.6 MW solar project on a former hay production field in northern New York, with plans to bring in sheep for rotational grazing. (news release)
• A developer finishes construction of a 40-acre community solar project near Buffalo, New York, with enough capacity for 850 residential subscribers and one commercial business. (WIVB)

UTILITIES: Public power movements in New York have gained traction amid high costs, but some utilities are encouraging organized labor unions to see such a shift as a negative for workers. (City & State)