Substitute Senate Bill No. 4 (sSB4 File No. 325) aims to enhance energy affordability, access, and accountability in Connecticut by introducing new definitions for "advanced nuclear reactor" and "high-level nuclear waste," and establishing conditions for the construction of new nuclear power facilities. The bill requires that such facilities receive approval for waste disposal technology from the U.S. Government and mandates that they be located at existing nuclear sites or be advanced reactors with local consent. It also creates a funding program for advanced nuclear reactor and offshore wind energy site readiness, allowing the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to provide grants or loans, with the State Bond Commission authorized to issue bonds up to five million dollars for this purpose. Additionally, the bill updates the commissioner's role to ensure gender-neutral language and expands the scope of energy procurement to include gas resources.

The bill further enhances safety measures for line and restoration crew members by prohibiting electric distribution companies from requiring unsafe working conditions and protecting them from retaliation for not meeting restoration timelines. It establishes a utility-scale renewable thermal energy network program and mandates the formation of emergency service restoration planning committees that include crew members. The bill also requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to evaluate service termination protections for customers with serious medical conditions, ensuring that safety and consumer protections are prioritized. Key deletions include the repeal of Section 16a-3j and the removal of specific references to "Connecticut," replaced with "the state," reflecting a broader approach to energy management. Overall, the bill aims to improve infrastructure resiliency, enhance customer protections, and facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources.

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