Bill > SB00007

This bill promotes a more equitable and transparent energy market in Connecticut that works in the best interest of the state's energy consumers. The key provisions of the bill include: Requiring electric and gas distribution companies to decouple their distribution revenues from the volume of sales, giving the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) discretion to determine the appropriate decoupling mechanism and methodology. The bill also prohibits certain public service companies from recovering through rates the costs associated with attending or participating in rate proceedings before PURA, as well as costs related to lobbying, advertising, marketing, travel, entertainment, and other corporate expenses. The bill enhances PURA's authority to encourage the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve contested cases and proceedings, and prohibits the reauthorization of an on-bill reconciling mechanism for new electric plant additions. It also requires PURA to consider various factors, including the burden on residential ratepayers, when determining a reasonable rate of return for electric, gas, and water companies. Additionally, the bill establishes a program to provide compensation to eligible stakeholder groups, such as representatives of low-income and small business customers, to support their participation in PURA proceedings. It also imposes new requirements on electric distribution companies regarding accident reporting and stray voltage detection and mitigation. The bill makes various other changes related to energy policy, including provisions regarding shared clean energy facilities, the treatment of low-income customers, and the potential limitation of electric supplier contracts for certain customer groups.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

Energy and Technology Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00007&which_year=2023