Substitute House Bill No. 7017 aims to improve Connecticut's electric grid by mandating the use of grid-enhancing technologies and advanced conductors in the planning and construction of electric distribution and transmission facilities. The bill introduces new definitions for terms such as "advanced conductor," "advanced power flow control," "dynamic line rating," and "nontransmission alternative." It requires electric distribution companies (EDCs) and incumbent transmission owners to submit at least one project alternative using advanced conductors and one using grid-enhancing or nontransmission alternative technologies to the Connecticut Siting Council when seeking to construct or modify facilities. If these alternatives are not preferred, a detailed explanation must be provided. The Siting Council is tasked with prioritizing these alternatives if they are cost-effective compared to the preferred projects.

Additionally, the bill imposes new reporting requirements on EDCs and transmission owners, mandating annual submissions to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that detail planned projects, cost estimates, and project descriptions. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will evaluate these projects and may initiate procurement for feasible nontransmission alternatives. The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding the retention of consultants by DEEP, PURA, and the Office of Consumer Counsel, allowing them to seek external expertise while capping consultant expenses at $2.5 million per year. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability of Connecticut's electric grid, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.