Energy Efficiency Policy in Connecticut

NEEP comments on the Connecticut 2010 Integrated Resource Plan

It is NEEP's belief that the 2010 IRP, in its recommendation that the state pursue a "Targeted Expansion" scenario for energy demand side management programs, falls short of the spirit of this legislative mandate and would forfeit opportunities for the state's energy customers to maximize the potential benefits of energy efficiency.

NEEP input on 2011 Connecticut Conservation & Load Management Plan

It appears that vital energy efficiency programs may soon be short-changed by more than $28 million a year.  This administrative move would no doubt have devastating effects on the integrity of the programs,  and on the broader economic, environmental and electric system objectives of the state. NEEP again stresses the importance of leveraging the utility-run programs with complementary state energy policies.


Connecticut Considers Raiding Energy Efficiency Funds:
Why Maintaining Strong EE Investment Is Vital Now

Connecticut, like many states, has been hit hard by the recession and now faces dire fiscal straits. Governor Jodi Rell's administration has suggested that one way of bridging a $1.3 billion state budget gap is to securitize ratepayer efficiency dollars in through Rate Replacement Bonds. Click here to download NEEP's arguments against this.

Additional Documents:
NEEP letter to Connecticut legislators urging opposition to SB 484, which seeks to take efficiency funds to bridge the state budget gap.

NEEP comments on Connecticut's 2010 Integrated Resource Plan.


Connecticut Enacts Model Energy Code and Green Building Standard

Connecticut's Public Act No. 192 of 2009 updates the state energy code, enacting new green building standards. New buildings and major renovations will be required to meet or exceed nationally accepted green building standards. The bill also provides for builders to provide verification through private third-party certification.  [More]


More About Connecticut

Connecticut's Energy Independence Act of 2005 required that one percent of the state's electricity be met from energy efficiency by 2007, rising one percent each year, reaching four percent in 2010.

The state has robust programs and policies that foster building energy efficiency. Highlights include:

• A least cost procurement standard, requiring the state's electric utilities to acquire "all available energy efficiency and demand reduction resources that are cost-effective, reliable, and feasible."
• Performance incentives that encourage and reward program administrators to reduce electric and gas use.
• A System Benefits Charge (SBC) of 3 mills/kWh to fund their efficiency programs, one of the highest in the nation.

Connecticut has also implemented building energy codes that significant increase energy efficiency in buildings statewide. The state will the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential and commercial buildings once the code is published and require that large new and renovated buildings to achieve the US Green Building Council's LEED Silver status by July 2010. The current code is based on IEEC 2006.

State Offices

Connecticut Energy Advisory Board
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund
Department of Public Safety
Department of Public Utility Control
Energy Conservation Management Board
Office of Policy and Management

Program Administrators

Connecticut Light & Power Company (Northeast Utilities)
United Illuminating
Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative

Key Policies

Electric and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007
Energy Independence Act of 2005
Green Building Standards and Energy Efficiency Act of 2009
2009 Building Code Amendment to 2005 Code