Raised Bill No. 6928, effective October 1, 2025, establishes a framework for municipal electric aggregation programs in Connecticut, allowing municipalities or groups of municipalities to form public aggregators to procure electric supply and related services for eligible customers. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "public aggregator," "municipal aggregation plan," and "auto-enroll customer," and outlines the process for creating a municipal aggregation program, which requires an affirmative vote from the legislative body and approval from the chief executive officer. It mandates the development of a municipal aggregation plan that includes customer communication strategies, rights and responsibilities of participants, and provisions for universal access and reliable service. Public aggregators are not classified as public service companies and must conduct public reviews and hearings before establishing a program.

The bill also introduces modifications to the municipal aggregation process, including a requirement for public aggregators to submit a timeline for implementing their plans and allows them to modify their plans with a public review period. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of participation, allowing customers to opt out within 180 days of enrollment, and mandates clear written notices regarding automatic enrollment and opt-out rights. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations related to unauthorized customer communications and allows the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to prohibit violators from providing further services. It clarifies exemptions for municipalities and regional water authorities in aggregating electric generation services and allows for annual registration with the authority. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, consumer choice, and accountability in municipal aggregation programs while streamlining approval and communication processes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-245b