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 related to energy and to support electric vehicle charging programs. The bill also repeals and replaces section 16-244dd, allowing the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to select entities for implementing renewable energy programs and introduces a cap on expenses for electric vehicle charging stations, targeting assistance to low-income residents. Additionally, it mandates a review of winter shutoff moratoria and protections for medically vulnerable customers by July 1, 2025.

The bill further enhances consumer protections by revising utility service termination policies, requiring adequate notice before service disconnections, and ensuring that no utility can terminate service during a pending complaint or investigation. It introduces provisions for customers to amortize unpaid balances and mandates that electric distribution companies report nonpayment to credit agencies only after a customer is more than sixty days delinquent. The legislation also establishes a pilot program for electric active demand and gas demand response, promotes the use of renewable energy sources, and introduces a new tax framework for solar photovoltaic systems. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline energy management, enhance consumer protections, and promote sustainable energy practices while ensuring transparency and accountability in the regulatory process.

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