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PURA approves Nonwire Solutions process, allows EDC ownership of some front-of‑meter assets
Summary
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved the initiation phase of its Nonwire Solutions process, adopting standardized templates and a new framework permitting electric distribution companies to own front-of‑meter nonwire assets that serve a reliability function where law allows; the decision also creates quarterly filings for low-cost distribution investments.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority voted Dec. 18 to adopt the initiation phase of a Nonwire Solutions (NWS) process that formalizes how the state will solicit and evaluate nonwire alternatives to traditional grid upgrades.
Authority staff member Rory Butler told the commissioners the decision approves key materials — including annual data and grid‑needs filing templates, a benefit‑cost analysis framework, cybersecurity requirements and standardized RFI/RFP and contract templates — that will guide competitive solicitations and project procurement. "The nonwire solutions process is designed to introduce broader competition and solution sets to meet distribution system needs with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for ratepayers and advancing Connecticut's public policy goals," Butler said.
The authority also revised two notable process elements. First, it adopted an ownership framework that permits electric distribution companies (EDCs) to own front‑of‑meter nonwire assets that serve a reliability function to the extent ownership is allowed under state and federal law. Second, to address utilities' concerns about responsiveness for low‑cost distribution solutions, the authority established a quarterly filing process: EDCs will screen low‑cost investments internally and submit summary filings on the first Friday of February, May, August and November each year in the appropriate NWS proceeding.
Under the adopted schedule, the first annual NWS process cycle will begin in early 2025, with EDCs filing annual grid‑needs and data submissions on Feb. 8, 2025. The authority will rely on a designated process monitor to review filings and determine whether EDCs made a good‑faith effort to screen for NWS opportunities.
Commissioners adopted the decision by roll call. The decision directs staff to implement the approved templates and to oversee the initial NWS filings early next year, starting with the Feb. 8 submissions.
