Bill > HB05248

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, aims to enhance energy efficiency and transmission planning in Connecticut. It allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt energy efficiency standards for new products, even if the federal Energy Star program is eliminated, by potentially endorsing equivalent voluntary programs and coordinating with other states for standardized labels. The bill also modifies existing statutes to give the Commissioner more authority to periodically review and increase efficiency standards, considering cost-effectiveness for consumers, and allows for incorporating standards by reference, including those related to demand response programs. Furthermore, it expands the types of products subject to efficiency standards, such as plumbing fixtures, and requires manufacturers to provide documentation of compliance with recognized certification programs like California's Energy Commission or the federal WaterSense program. The bill also introduces provisions for the Commissioner to inspect distributors and retailers and establish a system for reporting potential violations. Crucially, it mandates that the Connecticut Siting Council, when deciding whether to approve certain energy facilities, must consider anticipated future electric grid reliability needs, such as creating interconnection points for future generation 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.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Energy and Technology Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05248&which_year=2026