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Connecticut

URGENT! Funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency is currently on the chopping block as part of budget deliberations in Connecticut. If you would like to see this funding retained, you should contact your elected representatives in Connecticut. For background information on the funding situation and suggestions about which policymakers to contact, see a special website: www.ratepayer.net.

Here is background on what the situation in Connecticut was like before the current funding controversy: The electric utility market in Connecticut was partially opened to competition on January 1, 2000. As of July, 2000, all Connecticut electricity consumers have the ability to choose their supplier. As in other states, the standard offer is low enough that few companies are offering a competitive price. Still, the standard offer is higher than in some other states, and it is anticipated that the Connecticut electric market will grow in the months ahead.

Deregulation legislation in Connecticut calls for a Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), which will require all providers to obtain an increasing share of their power from renewable energy sources. The Connecticut RPS begins at 0.75% in 2001 and ultimately rises to 4% in 2009. The legislation also requires the utilities to collect a systems benefits charge (SBC).

The SBC will generate $118 million over five years and has been used to establish the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Energy Conservation and Load Management Fund.  The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund is a venture capital fund dedicated to promoting the use of clean power in Connecticut.  To learn more about the Fund visit www.ctcleanenergy.com. The Energy Conservation and Load Management Fund supports cost-effective energy conservation programs, which are available through each electricity distribution company. Furthermore, Connecticut deregulation legislation requires energy suppliers to disclose the emissions associated with the energy they supply to their customers.

One company offers "green" power to Connecticut electricity consumers. Green Mountain Energy Company, the nation’s largest marketer of green power, offers Green-e certified products in the state. Green-e is a certification, provided by an independent third-party organization, which ensures that the electric product you are purchasing contains energy produced from clean, renewable resources. The Company entered the Connecticut market in January of 2001.  For more information about Green Mountain Energy Company visit www.greenmountain.com or call 1-866-GREEN CT.

For more information about electric choice in Connecticut generally, visit www.state.ct.us/dpuc.