July 9, 2013
Connecticut

Malloy: Energy efforts heating up across Connecticut

By Luther Turmelle | New Haven Register | July 08, 2013 | www.nhregister.com

HARTFORD >> Gov. Dannel P. Malloy used a ceremonial bill signing at the State Capitol Monday to highlight a series of steps his administration is taking to make renewable energy cheaper and more readily available for residents.

Even as he was heralding changes to the state’s renewable energy portfolio and energy-efficiency programs approved by state lawmakers last month, Malloy was announcing that a request for proposals for long-term energy contracts from solar, wind and other renewable energy projects around New England. Officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection believe the request for proposal from the renewable power providers will result in cheaper power for the state.

“For too long, the cost of energy has been a prohibitive factor in making our state a more competitive place to live, work and do business,” Malloy said in a statement. “Thanks to the vision of this plan and the hard work of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, specifically the chairs and ranking members, today we take meaningful steps in lowering costs for residents and businesses.

“With this legislation in place, we will be able to speed up our efforts and continue to drive down the cost of heat and electricity for families, reduce operating costs and make our businesses more competitive.”

The state’s three natural gas companies have already submitted a 10-year plan for expanding their distribution networks to more homes and businesses across the state. The plan, which was submitted in mid-June, is under review by DEEP and that agency’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

DEEP is also preparing to launch a program to boost the state’s investment in energy efficiency. Connecticut’s investment in energy-efficiency projects will double under the state’s new comprehensive energy plan, said Dennis Schain, a DEEP spokesman.

Malloy also promoted the upcoming kick-off of EVConnecticut Incentives program, which will provide financial assistance to private businesses and municipalities interested in installing publicly-accessible electric vehicle charging stations.

DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty said the actions taken by the legislature and the Malloy administration “firmly establishes Connecticut as a national leader in the energy arena.” Esty called Connecticut’s energy strategy “a thoughtful approach based on leveraging private investment and strategies to unleash technological innovation and rapidly drive down the price of clean energy.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/09/malloy-energy-efforts-heating-up-across-connecticut/