Connecticut energy commissioner plans for statewide energy needs

The energy commissioner prepares a statewide energy strategy with input from other state officials and agencies. The strategy assesses the state's energy needs, including electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation. The text sets a schedule of on or before October 1, 2020, and every four years after that.

The commissioner holds public and technical meetings, considers comments, and posts the final strategy and a comment summary online. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority comments on the strategy's effect on natural gas and electric rates. The process includes at least one public meeting and one technical meeting. Anyone may comment during a review period of at least 60 days, and the commissioner considers comments before approving the final strategy. The commissioner gives at least 15 days' notice of the review process and publishes meeting notices and the proposed strategy before the meetings.

The commissioner considers the life-cycle emissions effects of low-carbon heating fuels and related future reductions. The review concerns low-carbon blends used in home heating oil and the possible role of a thermal portfolio standard. The comparison includes current biodiesel and other low-carbon blends and projected emissions reductions by the retail heating oil industry. This consideration applies to the next strategy approved after October 1, 2026, and every strategy prepared after it.