October 15, 2025

Regulatory Update for October 15, 2025

(Covering October 8-14, 2025)

Our energy regulatory team has compiled a list of state and federal energy regulatory developments to keep you up to speed on key energy regulatory matters from across the United States. Stoel’s energy regulatory team is always available to answer questions about any of these developments. Click here to meet the energy regulatory team.

Jump to the following jurisdictions:

State Regulatory Agencies

• California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
• California Energy Commission (CEC)
• California Air Resources Board (CARB)
• Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)
• Oregon Public Utilities Commission (OPUC)
• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commision (WTUC)

Federal Regulatory Agencies

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Independent System Operators (ISO) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO)

• California Independent System Operator (CAISO)
• Southwest Power Pool (SPP)
• PJM Interconnection (PJM)
• New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)

Click here to download this update as a PDF

State Regulatory Agencies

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (CPUC or COMMISSION)[1]

Proposed Decisions and Resolutions

Resolution (Res) E-5416

This Resolution approves Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) request to revise its Bundled Procurement Plan -- Appendix S to update PG&E’s methodology for determining Resource Adequacy capacity volumes to make available for sale.

Voting Meeting

The CPUC held a voting meeting in Bellflower, California on October 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PT.  The results of the energy-related items on the agenda are below:

Item 2.  Res G-3606 (San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) 2024 Natural Gas Leak Abatement Ratemaking Forecasts and Capital Costs Recovery)

This Resolution denies SDG&E’s 2024 Natural Gas Leak Abatement (NGLA) ratemaking forecasts as presented in Advice Letter (AL) 3285-G-A for costs for its 2024 Compliance Plan.  SDG&E forecasts a total revenue requirement of $24.859 million in AL 3285-G-A: $22.919 million for Best Practices; $1.29 million for Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) projects; $0.428 million for Program Administration; and $0.222 million for any under-recovered ongoing capital revenue requirements.  This Resolution approves no funding for Best Practices because none of the practices is cost-effective.  Costs for RD&D are also denied.  SDG&E is authorized to record up to $0.428 million for NGLA Program Administration, if applicable, in the NGLA Program Memorandum Account for potential recovery in a future general rate case or other proceeding, where it will be subject to a reasonableness review.  The Resolution approves $222,000 for unrecovered ongoing capital costs from previously approved Compliance Plans.  Held to October 30, 2025.  

Item 3.  Application (A.) 22-05-002 (Application of PG&E for Approval of its Demand Response Programs, Pilots and Budgets for Program Years 2023- 2027)

This decision denies the Petition for Modification filed on February 19, 2025, by Clean Energy Alliance, San Diego Community Power, and Mission: Data Coalition, Inc. seeking to modify Decision (D.) 22-12-009.  The Petition for Modification asks that D.22-12-009 be modified to require SDG&E to reinstate ZigBee connections and to enable new ZigBee connections until SDG&E provides new smart meters that provide near real-time energy usage data access.  Signed, D.25-10-004.

Item 4.  A.12-05-020 (In the Matter of Application of SDG&E for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project)

This decision grants SDG&E’s Petition for Modification of D.16-12-064 to increase the $381 million cost cap established by that decision and adopts $410 million as the increased reasonable and prudent maximum cost cap for the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project. Signed, D.25-10-005.

Item 8.  Rulemaking (R.) 20-05-012 (Order Instituting Rulemaking Regarding Policies, Procedures and Rules for the Self-Generation Incentive Program and Related Issues)

This decision establishes the conditions for returning ratepayer funds and closing out all activities related to the ratepayer-funded portion of the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP).  The decision also implements the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund portion of SGIP as well as conditions for its closure in 2028.  Also included in this decision are modifications to existing rules for extending SGIP projects and participation in a qualifying demand response program for SGIP’s Residential Solar and Storage Equity budget.  Held to October 30, 2025.

Item 10.  Res O-0097 

This Resolution O-0097 approves, subject to refund, Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines, L.P.’s (SFPP) request for an interim, system-wide, intrastate rate increase of 5.187% under the provisions of Public Utilities Code section 455.3 and General Order 96-B, Energy Industry Rule 8.  This Resolution does not grant any additional increase above 5.187%.  The Commission will consider the entirety of SFPP’s requested increases in SFPP’s consolidated proceeding for A.24-01-020, A.23-01-016, A.22-01-016, and A.21-01-15.  Approved.

Item 11.  Res E-5416

This Resolution approves PG&E request to revise its Bundled Procurement Plan -- Appendix S (Sales Framework) to update PG&E’s methodology for determining Resource Adequacy capacity volumes made available for sale.  Approved.

Item 15.  A.25-04-015 (Application of PG&E for Approval of Zonal Electrification Pilot Project)

This decision extends the statutory deadline in this proceeding until February 2, 2026.  Held to October 30, 2025.

Item 17.  A.23-06-022 (In the Matter of the Application of Crimson California Pipeline, L.P. (Crimson) for Authority to Increase Rates for its Crude Oil Pipeline Services)

This decision approves the settlement agreement between Crimson and Phillips 66 Company (Phillips 66) that resolves all issues in this proceeding.  The settlement agreement includes a 12.52% increase in rates for crude oil pipeline services for the period of August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024 (Rate Period).  A 12.52% increase in rates achieves an additional $3,518,744 in revenue for the Rate Period.  Phillips 66 is responsible for payment of $2,500,000 while the other shippers on Crimson’s Southern California system will be collectively responsible for payment of $1,018,744 based upon their respective volumes shipped.  Signed, D.25-10-008.

Item 25. A.18-05-007 (In the Matter of the Application of Southern California Edison (SCE) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity: Eldorado-Lugo-Mohave Series Capacitor Project)

This decision grants SCE’s Petition for Modification of D.20-08-032 to increase the maximum reasonable and prudent cost for the Eldorado-Lugo-Mohave Series Capacitor Project from $239 million to $295 million.  Signed, D.25-10-012.

Item 42.  R.25-10-003 (Order Instituting Rulemaking to Oversee the Resource Adequacy Program, Consider Program Reforms and Refinements, and Establish Forward Resource Adequacy Procurement Obligations)

This Order opens a new rulemaking to oversee the Resource Adequacy Program.  Signed, R.25-10-003.

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Transportation Electrification Proactive Planning Webinar

The CPUC will host a webinar on October 22, 2025, to host a technical workshop and take stakeholder feedback regarding the Energy Division’s Transportation Electrification Proactive Planning (TEPP) efforts.  As outlined in the Scoping Memo for R.23-12-008, TEPP is focused on zero-emission vehicle planning related to corridor freight charging infrastructure and similar loads such as light-duty charging plazas.  This proceeding is focused on improving transportation electrification-specific data, assumptions, and analyses that can ultimately be inputs into existing electric grid planning processes (e.g., Distribution Planning Process, Transmission Planning Process, etc.) that are being developed in other proceedings.  A ruling issued on October 1, 2025 requests stakeholder comments on the inputs and assumptions for TEPP modeling and related information.  Comments in response to the ruling are due October 31, 2025, and reply comments may be submitted by November 14, 2025.

CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION (CEC)

2025 Integrated Energy Policy Report (IEPR)

The CEC has released the 2025 IEPR workshop schedule and opened a new proceeding number (25-IEPR-01) for the 2025 IEPR.  Workshop topics and dates included in the notice are below (note: the workshop schedule is subject to change, and the current schedule was released on July 2, 2025).  Upcoming workshops or comment deadlines and recent changes to the workshop schedule are reflected below:

• November 13, 2025: IEPR Commissioner Workshop on Load Modifier Results (remote access only).
• December 11, 2025: IEPR Commissioner Workshop on Forecast (remote access only) – rescheduled from December 2, 2025.

On October 8, 2025, the CEC circulated a “Save the Date” email regarding a Demand Analysis Working Group (DAWG) meeting scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT on October 30, 2025.  According to the DAWG meeting website, the meeting will be held both remotely and in-person, and will focus on the California Energy Demand Forecast for the draft load modifier results for the 2025 IEPR.  Specifically, the meeting will address the following topics:

• Behind the meter photovoltaics and storage
• Additional Achievable Transportation Electrification
• Additional Achievable Energy Efficiency and Fuel Substitution
• Data centers
• Utility “Known Loads” project data used for distribution system planning
• Improvements to the methodology to calibrate sector end use model results with historical data

On July 22, 2025, the CEC released a Revised Scoping Order for the 2025 IEPR, which updates the original Scoping Order posted in March 2025.

2024 IEPR Update

During the October 8, 2025 CEC Business Meeting, the CEC adopted the 2024 IEPR Update.

Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC)

The 2025 EPIC Symposium was held on October 7, 2025 at the California Natural Resources Agency in Sacramento, California.  As set forth in the agenda, the EPIC Symposium convenes clean energy leaders, policy makers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss the latest innovations driven by EPIC. 

Renewables Portfolio Standard 10th Edition Guidebook Update

On September 18, 2025, the CEC released the draft Renewables Portfolio Standard Guidebook, Tenth Edition (Guidebook) for public review and comment.  CEC Staff held a remote access workshop to discuss the draft Guidebook on October 6, 2025.  Written comments on the Guidebook are due to Docket 21-RPS-02 by 5:00 p.m. PT on October 20, 2025.  Instructions for attending the remote workshop are available in the workshop notice.

Long Duration Energy Storage Program

On September 11, 2025, the CEC hosted a remote access workshop regarding the Draft Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook: Guidance for Behind-the-Meter Installations (Draft Guidebook), funded under the EPIC Program (EPC-19-026).  The workshop provided the grant recipient, the Center for Sustainable Energy, with the opportunity to receive input regarding the Draft Guidebook.  According to the workshop notice, a copy of the Draft Guidebook was made available here 10 business days before the workshop date.  The notice provides that the “workshop will focus on identifying any corrections or substantive omissions to the Draft Guidebook” and “[f]eedback gathered during [the] workshop will inform the publication of the final version of the Guidebook, expected to be published in Q2 2026.”  Written comments regarding the Draft Guidebook were due by October 10, 2025 to Docket No. 23-ERDD-07.

Funding for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging

The CEC is accepting funding applications under the Fast Charge California Project, which includes up to $55 million of in-state funding for up to 100% of the installation costs for EV chargers at businesses and public sites across the state, through October 29, 2025.  Funding priority will be given to tribal areas and low-income and underserved communities.  Eligibility details and other application requirements are available here.

CEC Adopts EV Charging Infrastructure Data Reporting and Reliability Rules

The CEC voted to adopt regulations regarding EV charger recordkeeping and reliability data sharing for publicly available and publicly funded EV chargers during its October 8, 2025 Business Meeting.  A link to the recording is available here and additional information regarding the regulations is available in Docket No. 22-EVI-04.

Proposed Amendments to Regulatory Definitions Appurtenant & Related Facilities

On October 9, 2025, CEC staff held a workshop to gather feedback from interested parties regarding the addition of the definition of “appurtenant facility” and proposed amendments to the CEC’s definition of “related facility” as contained in Title 20, California Code of Regulations.  Proposed regulatory amendment language is included in the workshop notice.  Written comments may be submitted in hard copy to the CEC or via email by October 24, 2025.  According to the workshop notice, written comments should reference Docket Number 25-RULE-01 in the subject line and should be emailed to docket@energy.ca.gov.

Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan

On October 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. PT, the CEC will host a hybrid meeting of the Advisory Committee for the Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan to discuss the staff draft report version of the 2025–2026 Investment Plan Update for the Clean Transportation Program, including proposed funding allocations.  According to the meeting notice, Commissioner Nancy Skinner, Presiding Member of the Advisory Committee, will attend the October 27, 2025 meeting.  Written comments are due to the Docket Unit by 5:00 p.m. PT on November 7, 2025, under Docket No. 25-ALT-01.

Demand Side Grid Support (DSGS) Program

The CEC will host a workshop to present staff’s analysis of the DSGS Program during the 2024 season, with a focus on the Storage Virtual Power Plant performance, which is also referred to as Incentive Option 3.  The workshop notice states that this analysis may inform potential modifications to the DSGS Program Guidelines.  The workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT, and will be held remotely only.  Additional information is available on the event page, here.

Pursuant to a notice issued by the CEC on October 1, the DSGS Program has budgeted funding of $109.5 million, as of the Budget Act of 2025.  From that amount, about $64 million remains after accounting for incentives for past program seasons (including the 2024 season), encumbrances (third-party contracts through 2028), and program administration expenses through the end of the 2024–25 Fiscal Year.  Program staff anticipate having sufficient funding for the 2025 program season incentive payout and continuation of the DSGS Program for the 2026 program season with modifications, to align with the funding level projected to be available after the 2025 incentive payout.  Workshops will be announced at later dates to present staff’s analysis of DSGS Program performance in the 2024 program season and present potential changes to the DSGS Program for the 2026 program season.

Gas Research and Development Program

On October 13, 2025, CEC staff hosted a remote access scoping workshop regarding staff’s proposed concept for funding research to advance integrated planning to support gas system decommissioning.  According to the workshop notice, “the workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session and public comment period to advance integrated planning to support gas system decommissioning.”  Written comments are due to the Docket Unit for Docket No. 23-ERDD-02 by 5:00 p.m. PT on October 20, 2025.

CEC Business Meetings

The next CEC Business Meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025.  

CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD (CARB)

Meetings and Workshops

On October 14, 2025, CARB hosted a virtual public workshop to discuss introducing gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol (E15) in California.  California gasoline is currently blended with up to 10% ethanol by volume the maximum ethanol content allowed by the California Reformulated Gasoline Regulations.  At this workshop, CARB staff will provide an overview of the scientific evaluation of E15, current regulatory requirements, and concepts for potential regulatory updates as well as additional topics regarding the use of E15 in California.  Staff will seek stakeholder input through verbal feedback during the workshop and will open a public docket for written comments.  That public docket will be open for four weeks following the workshop through November 11, 2025.

On October 16, 2025, CARB will host a public meeting for the Assembly Bill (AB) 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC).  EJAC was created under AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, to help advise the board in developing the Climate Change Scoping Plan and on pertinent issues related to AB 32.  The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 calls for CARB to convene the EJAC, to advise CARB in developing the Scoping Plan and any other pertinent matter in implementing AB 32.

On November 6, 2025, CARB will conduct a joint public meeting between CARB, the California Transportation Commission, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, to coordinate their implementation of policies that jointly affect transportation, housing, and air quality, including interagency efforts.  Presentations will facilitate open dialogue amongst state agencies and the public.

On November 20, 2025, CARB will conduct a public hearing to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to the Regulation on Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste Landfills (LMR).  CARB adopted the LMR in 2010 to reduce methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfills, which are the second-largest source of methane emissions in California.  The LMR requires owners and operators to install and optimally operate landfill gas collection and control systems to minimize emissions, monitor surface methane concentration and other performance parameters, repair emission exceedances and other performance issues, conduct source testing of combustion devices used to destroy methane, and report compliance information to CARB and local air districts.

MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (MPUC)

At its deliberations on Friday, October 3, 2025, the MPUC approved the acquisition of ALLETE, Inc., and its operating division and regulated utility Minnesota Power, by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners, which was recently acquired by BlackRock.  The MPUC approved the acquisition with conditions that it quantifies to represent approximately $200M in ratepayer benefits, namely: (1) $50 million in bill credits, (2) $20 monthly discount and $3.5 million in arrearage forgiveness, and (3) caps on utility profitability (e.g., capping Minnesota Power’s Return on Equity at 9.78% until December 31, 2030, and capping its equity ratio at 53% until December 31, 2030).  Additionally, the acquisition is conditioned on $10 Million for a long-term residential energy bill mitigation fund and $50 million in new funding for a new “Clean Firm Plan” to be developed in consultation with stakeholders representing consumer groups, labor, and environmental organizations.  The MPUC’s press release regarding approval of the acquisition is here. Additionally, Xcel Energy has filed a proposal to build out a battery storage network across the state, installing up to 200 megawatts of battery storage resources by 2028, to support its recently approved Upper Midwest Energy Plan.  The plan calls for installation of 600 megawatts of energy storage by the end of 2030.

OREGON PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (OPUC) & WASHINGTON UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (WUTC)

The OPUC met on October 14, 2025, to hold a public hearing and commission work session on House Bill 2475, to consider approval of the Environmental Justice Communities Funding Agreement between several utilities and environmental justice stakeholder groups in Oregon. The meeting agenda is here.

The WUTC met on October 9, 2025, to discuss Avista Corporation’s petition for an order authorizing deferred accounting and ratemaking treatment of costs associated with investment in an enterprise resource platform (UE-250576 and UE-250577).  The agenda is here.  The next public meeting will be held October 23, 2025.  Additionally, the WUTC issued an order rejecting the proposed rate increase of Cascadia Water, LLC (Cascadia Water), which would have raised its revenues by $1.7 million or 75%, instead directing Cascadia Water to submit new proposals that would produce revenue increases of $1.168 million or 49.1% (including a return on investment rate of 10.18%, cost of debt of 6.04%, balanced mix of debt and equity (50:50), and total return rate of 8.11%).  More information on the WUTC’s decision is available here.

Federal Agencies

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FERC)

Meetings and Conferences

FERC will hold its October Commission Meeting on October 16, 2025.  FERC will consider, among other things, matters related to reliability, security, and market operations; standards for business practices of interstate natural gas pipelines; and New York Independent System Operator tariff revisions related to Order 2023.  A full list of matters that FERC will consider may be found here, and the meeting may be viewed here.

FERC noticed a technical conference on October 21, 2025, to discuss cost-effective ways to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition from the bulk power system.  FERC has directed North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to prepare a report on the best practices to reduce these risks and to assess the need for new or revised reliability standards.  NERC, in its report, must assess vegetation management, the removal of forest-hazardous fuels by transmission lines, engineering, and operational practices.

FERC noticed its fourth public meeting of the Federal and State Current Issues Collaborative on cross-jurisdictional issues relevant to FERC and state utility commissions, which will take place on November 12, 2025.  The meeting will explore topics related to energy infrastructure permitting, and FERC will release an agenda for the meeting by October 29, 2025.  The meeting will take place in Seattle, Washington and over Webcast.

Independent System Operators (ISO) and Regional Transmission Operators (RTO)

CALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (CAISO)

Stakeholder Initiatives: Upcoming Meetings and Deadlines

Interconnection Process Enhancements 5.0

CAISO posted the draft final proposal for the Interconnection Process Enhancements 5.0 initiative on October 13 and will host a virtual stakeholder meeting from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT on October 20, 2025.  Written comments are due November 3, 2025.  Further information is available here.

Demand and Distributed Energy Market Integration

CAISO will host a virtual working group session for the Demand and Distributed Energy Market Integration initiative on October 16, 2025.  Further information is available here.

Cluster 15 Cluster Study Reports

Cluster 15 Cluster Study Reports are expected to be published October 29, 2025, and will be available in the Grid Resource Interconnection Portal.  The user guide has been updated to provide instructions to view the report and provide next steps.  Further information is available here.

FERC Order No. 1920

CAISO has posted the draft tariff language for the FERC Order No. 1920 compliance filing and will hold a public stakeholder call on October 21, 2025. Comments are due October 16, 2025.  Further information is available here.

2026 Effective Flexible Capacity Values

CAISO has posted the final 2026 Resource Adequacy Effective Flexible Capacity list.  Additional information is available here.

2025-2026 Transmission Planning Process

CAISO has posted the 2025-2026 Transmission Planning Process preliminary reliability results to its website.  The request window is open until October 15, 2025.  Additional information is available here.

Western Energy Markets Regional Issues Forum

The Western Energy Markets Regional Issues Forum has announced its upcoming hybrid meeting, which will take place at the CAISO in Folsom, California on October 27, 2025.  Registration is requested for in-person attendees, and additional materials will be available prior to the meeting.  Additional information is available here.

Day-Ahead Market Enhancements (DAME), Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) & EDAM CAISO Balancing Authority Participation Rules

CAISO will offer on November 10, 2025, a continuation of the settlements-focused training session tailored for Scheduling Coordinators involved in, or impacted by, the upcoming Spring 2026 launches of DAME, EDAM, and EDAM ISO Balancing Authority Area Participation Rules.  Further information is available here.

SOUTHWEST POWER POOL (SPP)

FERC Approves SPP’s Provisional Load Process

FERC approved SPP’s revisions to its Open Access Transmission Tariff to establish a provisional load process within SPP, subject to a required compliance filing on certain conditions.  The provisional load process, effective August 4, 2025, allows SPP to study requests for new load additions even if there is not sufficient power projected to serve the new facility.  The provisional load process also includes new pro forma agreements and a cost allocation method that assigns upgrade costs directly to the requesting customer before transitioning to base plan funding after generation achieves designated resource status.

PJM INTERCONNECTION (PJM)

Reliability Planning and Transmission Expansion Projects

In an October 8, 2025 Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee meeting, PJM provided a reliability analysis update and presented non-competitive projects it plans to recommend to include in its 2025 Transmission Expansion Plan Window 1.

Proposed Capacity Market Revisions

PJM’s Market Implementation Committee endorsed a set of revisions related to demand response and distributed energy resources within PJM’s Manual on Capacity Market.  The proposed revisions include expanding the demand response availability window from limited hours to all hours and detailing distributed energy resource participation, compliance, and implementation into PJM’s capacity market.

NEW YORK INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR (NYISO)

Reliability Projection Reports

NYISO published its third-quarter Short Term Assessment of Reliability (STAR) report, which evaluates electric system reliability from July 15, 2025, through July 15, 2030.  In its STAR report, NYISO found several short-term reliability process needs and noted that generator deactivation, rising demand, and transmission limitations may cause reliability violations in New York City and Long Island beginning in the summer of 2026.

NYISO also published an updated draft its 2025-2034 Comprehensive Reliability Plan, which will be discussed on October 16, 2025 by NYISO’s Operating Committee.  The plan outlines that NYISO’s “most plausible futures point to significant reliability shortfalls within the next ten years” and “the system may need several thousand megawatts of new dispatchable generation over that timeframe.”

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[1] Per the CPUC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure Rule 14.3, comments on proposed decisions are due 20 days after issuance of the proposed decision, and reply comments are due five days thereafter.  Comments on draft resolutions are due 20 days after the draft resolution appears in the CPUC’s daily calendar, per Rule 14.5.