V-FAST’s Post

The planning process for new clean energy infrastructure in Scotland will be improved under UK and Scottish government proposals to reform outdated legislation that can delay new projects being built. In collaboration with the Scottish Government, the UK government has today (28 October) launched a consultation on proposed changes that will make the system for considering large energy projects in Scotland more efficient, while also ensuring that affected communities can have their say on proposals at the right time in the process. https://lnkd.in/gbXc_iUw

Ontario Moves to Accelerate Grid Expansion and Connections By Roy Hrab On October 21, 2024, the Ministry of Energy and Electrification announced the government was “removing barriers that slow the construction of new homes and businesses by making it easier and more affordable to connect to the province's world-class clean electricity grid.” The Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) Report Back To The Minister On System Expansion For Housing Developments was published together with the announcement. On October 23, 2024, the government introduced Bill 214, Affordable Energy Act, 2024, which (among other things) set out two significant new authorities for the government over the OEB’s Distribution System Code and Transmission System Code related to cost allocation and cost recovery for certain electricity system connection infrastructure. Concurrently, the government launched a consultation on Bill 214 as well as a consultation on potential regulations on the cost responsibility framework related to electricity system connection infrastructure in “high-growth areas” on the ERO.   Power Advisory recommends that clients and interested parties with comments, concerns or questions on the two consultation proposals provide feedback by the November 22, 2024 (Bill 214) and December 7, 2024 (Cost responsibility regulations associated with Bill 214) deadlines. Reach out to us for more insights! Read the full commentary on our website: https://lnkd.in/gGYdXuUP   #Ontario #EnergyPolicy #ElectricityPolicy #OntarioEnergy #ElectricityDemand #PowerAdvisory #EnergyTransition

My latest Power Advisory piece takes a look at Ontario's recent policy announcements (including proposed legislation and regulations) regarding connection cost allocation, cost recovery, and grid expansion related to housing and businesses. #electrification #energyregulation #economicpolicy #publicpolicy

The UK King's Speech confirmed the launch of GB Energy, planning reforms to spur green infrastructure and moves to unleash new freedoms for The Crown Estate in #offshorewind - with early comments from RenewableUK and Octopus Energy #renewableenergy #windpower #energypolicy #energytransition

Senators Manchin and Barrasso have unveiled the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, aimed at boosting energy security and streamlining permits for infrastructure projects. This bipartisan bill promises to modernize the grid, expand transmission capacity, and facilitate clean energy development on federal lands. While clean energy advocates cheer the move as a step forward, some conservationists criticize its support for fossil fuels. To learn more, read here: https://ow.ly/9Rh050SMGOu

Proposed reforms to the consenting process in Scotland for large energy projects. Unlike in England and Wales, projects over 50MW in Scotland still require a s.36 Electricity Act 1989 consent which can typically involve a lengthy public inquiry if the local authority objects to the application The reforms include: a) proposed amends to the Electricity Act to introduce a formal pre-app stage; b) reduced reliance on inquiry sessions as part of a wider examination process; c) reduced legal challenge period to 6 weeks; d) introduction of a prescribed process for varying s.37 (overhead line) network consents https://lnkd.in/ew8t6HtD

https://lnkd.in/gWk9TAxc Translation: The review by Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Andrew Dyer makes nine recommendations aimed at ensuring the Green/Left projects are built in the Green/Left places by the Green/Left people.

The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is proud to support the Government of Ontario’s efforts to accelerate housing connections to the electricity grid. “The government’s plan to reduce barriers to connecting new housing to the electricity grid will help reduce costs for new homeowners, renters and businesses.” Said Vince Brescia, President and CEO of the OEA. Key proposals include: · Extending the revenue horizon for residential developments from 25 to 40 years to spread infrastructure costs. · Clarifying conditions for local distribution companies regarding development connections. · Creating a new capacity allocation model for multi-customer, multi-year projects. With a goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031, the OEA and its members are ready to collaborate with Minister Stephen Lecce and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to ensure smooth implementation of these new measures. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5MfgqKR

Recent developments in Ontario have ignited a critical debate: the Ontario Government | Gouvernement de l’Ontario's decision to overrule the independent Ontario Energy Board (OEB) on Enbridge natural gas connections to new homes. This move, aimed at reducing housing costs, brings to the forefront the delicate balance between governmental intervention and the autonomy of regulatory bodies. The OEB's decision to require upfront payment for gas connections advocated for greener energy solutions and financial fairness. The government's intervention, however, not only challenges the regulator's independence but also raises concerns about potentially undermining the sanctity of utility regulation. Such actions could set a concerning precedent, diluting the integrity of independent regulatory decisions and hindering progress toward cleaner energy. Is this intervention a necessary compromise for housing affordability, or does it risk the very foundation of fair and sustainable utility regulation? Where do we draw the line between immediate needs and long-term goals? https://lnkd.in/gB2nAruE

Climate Capital Forum welcomed the expansion of the Capacity Investment Scheme announced by #ChrisBowen last year. It's a clever and innovative low risk scheme that underwrites cash flows that will crowd-in A$40-50bn of private investment and leverage many state government programs already in place. Designed to underpin the deployment of dispatchable renewable energy and storage capacity across Australia, it will work to offset any reliability gaps as the country transitions from fossil-fuels to clean energy, and coal exits the system. It is a central enabler of the federal renewable energy target of 82% by 2030. DCCEEW is calling for feedback on the CIS's design and roll out, with submissions due 25 March via the online platform. Consultation is a key focus of the #energy #transition, given the recent findings of the Renewable Energy Infrastructure Commissioner report on renewable energy projects. Tim Buckley Blair Palese