Connecticut Climate and Energy

Background

ENE's energy program started in Connecticut nearly ten years ago, and ENE’s extensive advocacy for energy reforms there is the foundation of its work in the rest of the region....
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Energy Efficiency as a Resource

New commitments to efficiency investments are among the most important steps Connecticut can take toward a more sustainable energy future. Connecticut’s energy laws call for the state to meet its energy needs by procuring all efficiency that is cheaper than traditional supply. According to recent ENE analysis, increasing efficiency program investments to this level would increase economic activity by $40 billion dollars. This would contribute $25 billion to the gross state product (GSP), with $18 billion returned to workers through increased real household income and increased employment equivalent to 183,000 job years. See ENE’s Energy Efficiency: Engine of Economic Growth and Engine Report Results for CT.

PA 07-242, Act Concerning Electricity and Energy Efficiency includes sweeping changes that should significantly ramp up efficiency investments, deliver cost savings and put the state on track to reaching its GHG emissions targets.

Connecticut is currently considering an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for 2010-2012. Electric utilities are required to file an IRP evaluating and outlining options to meet future energy needs, including investments in all cost-effective efficiency. Adopting an IRP that calls for all cost-effective energy efficiency is crucial to securing a clean, affordable energy supply for the state. See ENE’s CT IRP Summary Sheet 2010.

ENE is working through a number of channels to advance and advocate the approval of such a plan and further expand opportunities for efficiency in Connecticut:

• The Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB), a stakeholder council that advises the state on the IRP and other energy decisions. ENE contributed comments, recommendation and analysis to the board.
•  The Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) is a stakeholder board designed to bring representatives of business, industry, consumer, environmental and other interests to guide state efficiency program development. It was the first of its kind in the region. ENE is a founding member and remains active in the board’s efforts.
• The 2007 energy legislation also created the state’s first home heating oil efficiency program, managed by the Fuel Oil Conservation Board, which reports to the ECMB. ENE is an appointed representative on the board.
• DPUC Dockets: ENE is active in the following dockets related to efficiency procurement and implementation. DPUC docket materials can be found on the DPUC Web site.
  
  • 08-10-02: DPUC Review of the Connecticut Gas Utilities Forecasts of Demand and Supply 2009-2013 and Joint Conservation Plans
  • 09-10-03: DPUC Review of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund’s Conservation and Load Management Plan for 2010
  • 09-12-05: Application of The Connecticut Light and Power Company to Amend Its Rate Schedules (includes a new decoupling proposal)
  • 10-02-07: DPUC Review of the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan 

ENE is working with policy makers, utilities and other stakeholders to decouple gas and electric utility revenues from sales. This will help to align the utility’s incentives with saving energy and reducing energy bills. Decoupling was approved in a 2009 rate case for the CT electric utility United Illuminating.

Building Energy Efficiency

Improving efficiency of residential, commercial and industrial buildings provides a tremendous near-term opportunity to reduce energy use and GHG emissions.

Connecticut has adopted legislation that will put in place an updated model code (IECC 2012), which will improve commercial building efficiency by 30%. The legislation also calls for development of an enhanced energy efficiency performance standard for larger buildings and establishes a process for ensuring compliance with the energy and environmental components of the code.

ENE is monitoring and participating in the state process to update the State Building Code through the Codes and Standards Committee and contributed recommendations to help the state meet the statutory requirement of enhanced efficiency. See the Connecticut Codes and Standards Web page.

ENE is working to facilitate coordination between lead abatement and home weatherization programs that serve low-income families. These efforts help to put state efficiency money toward efforts that improving the safety of homes and reducing energy costs.  Leveraging multiple sources of funding and coordinating delivery of these services lowers the costs and improves the results of both. Press Release: ENE and LAMPP Announce New Coordination of Energy Efficiency and Lead Abatement Programs

Renewables

Developing new, low-carbon resources is a key part of Connecticut’s effort to secure a clean, sustainable energy future. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) calls for achieving 20% new renewables in the state’s energy mix by 2020 and funding has been established for renewable research, development, and deployment through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). ENE serves on the CCEF board.

Climate

Connecticut is one of the founding members of the nation’s first mandatory greenhouse gas cap and trade system, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Through the auction of RGGI allowances, the program has raised millions of dollars for Connecticut clean energy investments, the majority of which are designated for energy efficiency program expansion, with the remainder primarily to other clean energy programs.

• ENE’s RGGI Auction Tracker shows a detailed breakdown of CT and other states’ auction revenues and expenditures.
• See ENE’s RGGI page for more materials and analysis
   

Connecticut is one of the first states in the U.S. to adopt a mandatory cap on carbon emissions. ENE and its partners in the Stop Global Warming Connecticut campaign rallied widespread support from lawmakers and stakeholders for this historic legislation. An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions (HB 5600) sets a mandatory cap on global warming pollution, requiring emissions reductions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80% below 2001 levels by 2050.

Current CT Legislation

ENE is currently tracking the following state legislative proposals:

• HB 5635: AAC Electric Distribution Companies (related to Renewables and Distributed Generation) ENE Testimony
• HB 5508: An Act Establishing the Division of Electricity Policy and Procurement ENE Testimony
• HB 5217: AAC Energy Efficient Products (toward adopting additional appliance standards) ENE Testimony
• SB 484: AAC The Governor’s Revenue Plan (protecting clean energy and efficiency funds; rejecting calls to divert electric ratepayer monies for use to help balance the state’s budget) ENE Testimony
• SB 463: AAC Financing of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ENE Testimony
• SB 382: An Act Requiring Blended Heating Oil and Lowering the Sulfur Content of Heating Oil Sold in the State