Substitute Senate Bill No. 4, also known as Public Act No. 25-173, aims to improve energy affordability, access, and accountability in Connecticut by authorizing the State Bond Commission to issue bonds totaling up to $125 million for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. These funds will be used to reduce costs associated with hardship protection measures and to support electric vehicle charging programs. The bill amends section 16-244dd of the general statutes, allowing the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to select various entities, including the Connecticut Green Bank, to implement renewable energy programs. It also introduces new provisions for low-income rates, mandates evaluations of winter shutoff protections for medically vulnerable customers, and establishes a framework for shared clean energy facilities that prioritize low-income customers.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding service termination protections for customers with serious illnesses, changing the notice period for service termination and ensuring that no utility service can be terminated while a resident is seriously ill. It also introduces new requirements for electric distribution companies regarding project alternatives and mandates annual reporting on planned projects. The bill emphasizes the importance of consumer protections, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations, while promoting renewable energy initiatives and enhancing the regulatory framework for electric distribution companies. Key insertions include provisions for the issuance of rate reduction bonds, the establishment of a thermal energy network grant program, and the introduction of a task force focused on consumer protection in solar photovoltaic systems.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m
ET Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m
File No. 325: 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m
FIN Joint Favorable: 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m
APP Joint Favorable: 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m
Public Act No. 25-173: 16-244dd, 16-262d, 16-244z, 16-245e, 16-245g, 16-245i, 16-243n, 16-32e, 16-32l, 16-32m, 16-244m, 16-245a, 16-2, 16-2a, 16-6b