SPONSORED BY PLATINUM PARTNERSHIP SPONSOR: 
On November 9, 2016, the
Connecticut Power and Energy Society (CPES) heard from representatives of state
government, the state's largest electric distribution company, and the state's
largest electric generator on how Connecticut can address its ambitious greenhouse
gas (GHG) reduction goals. Panelists included:
- Keri
Enright-Kato, Director, Office of Climate Change, Technology &
Research, Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, Connecticut Department
of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
- Tracy
A. Gionfriddo, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental Compliance
and Performance, Eversource Energy
- Kevin
Hennessy, Director, State Policy - New England, Dominion Resources
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Keri Enright-Kato of
DEEP discussed Connecticut's efforts to combat climate change and
reviewed the state's GHG reduction goals found in the Global Warming Solution
Act. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2008, the Global Warming Solutions Act
sets forth the following GHG emission reduction requirements: (1) reduce GHG
emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by January 2020; and (2) reduce GHG
emissions to 80% below 2001 levels by January 2050. Enright-Kato reviewed the
two accounting methods for measuring GHG emissions, including the
generation-based approach and the consumption-based approach. The
generation-based approach measures emissions from electric generating
facilities in Connecticut while the consumption-based approach measures GHG
emissions based on Connecticut's share of electricity consumption in the
region. Enright-Kato stated that transformational change would be needed to
meet the state's long-term GHG reduction goals and highlighted the work of the
Governor's Council on Climate Change (GC3) in achieving those goals. Created on
Earth Day in 2015, GC3 is tasked with examining the effectiveness of existing
policies and regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions and identify new
strategies to meet the state's GHG reduction target of 80% below 2001 levels by
2050.
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Tracy Gionfriddo of
Eversource discussed her company's efforts to reduce GHG emissions across
the New England region. Compared to its peers, Gionfriddo explained, Eversource
has a small carbon footprint as an electric and gas delivery company. For that
reason, Gionfriddo noted, Eversource began looking for ways to facilitate the
reduction of GHG emissions beyond its own company footprint. Gionfriddo stated
that Eversource has focused on programs that reduce the region's carbon
intensity, including energy-efficiency programs and renewable energy programs.
Gionfriddo also mentioned Eversource's efforts to bring additional supplies of
carbon-free hydropower down from Eastern Canada to New England load centers
through electric transmission infrastructure.
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Kevin
Hennessy of Dominion discussed the role
of nuclear power in achieving the state's and region's GHG reduction goals.
Dominion owns Millstone Nuclear Power Station, located in Waterford,
Connecticut, one of three remaining nuclear facilities in New England. The
other two facilities are Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, located in Plymouth,
Massachusetts, and Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, located in Seabrook, New
Hampshire. Pilgrim Station has decided to retire its unit as of June 1, 2019.
Hennessy discussed the market pressures facing nuclear units in New England,
including the region's flattening electricity demand and the prolific supply of
low-cost shale gas putting downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.
Accounting for 90% of Connecticut's carbon-free power and 40% of the region's
carbon-free power in 2015, Hennessy stressed that existing nuclear power is
critical to Connecticut achieving its carbon reduction goals.
About Starion Energy
Starion is a licensed electricity and gas supplier in the deregulated energy market since September 2009. Energy deregulation gives consumers the choice of an alternative electric supplier and determines the rates and terms at which they purchase electric generation services. Starion services markets in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Starion is strategically positioned for continued growth in new markets for years to come.
For more information about Starion Energy, Inc., visit www.starionenergy.com