Bill > HB05248

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, aims to enhance energy efficiency and transmission planning in Connecticut by allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt energy efficiency standards for new products if the federal Energy Star program is eliminated, potentially endorsing equivalent voluntary programs and coordinating with other states for standardized labels, and by requiring the Connecticut Siting Council, when approving certain energy facilities, to consider future electric grid reliability needs, such as the need for interconnection points for future power sources or relieving transmission constraints, with such considerations needing to be supported by studies from the regional independent system operator or the state's Integrated Resources Plan. The bill also updates existing statutes to allow the Commissioner to periodically review and increase efficiency standards, incorporate by reference standards from other jurisdictions or third-party entities, and consider water conservation for certain products, while also modifying manufacturer certification requirements to include documentation from programs like California's Energy Commission or the federal WaterSense program, and granting the Commissioner the authority to inspect distributors and retailers for compliance.