Substitute Senate Bill No. 1531 seeks to improve transparency and accountability in the regulation of public utilities, particularly electric distribution companies (EDCs) and gas companies in Connecticut. The bill redefines "public agency" to include utilities with over 200,000 customers, thereby subjecting them to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and prohibiting the recovery of costs related to FOIA compliance unless deemed proper by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). It also mandates annual reporting of itemized costs for memberships, lobbying, and advertising, and introduces a requirement for biennial audits of the Home Energy Solutions Audit program. Additionally, the bill increases the notice period for PURA hearings from one to two weeks and caps EDCs' allowed rate of return at their weighted average cost of capital.

Moreover, the bill prohibits any entity from controlling both an EDC and a gas company after January 1, 2026, requiring divestiture for those currently in violation. It also modifies the approval process for utility acquisitions, ensuring timely public hearings and investigations by PURA. The bill eliminates provisions that allowed certain applications to be automatically approved if PURA did not act within a specified timeframe and restricts state agencies from granting utilities a right of first refusal for real property sales. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance regulatory oversight, promote energy efficiency, and protect consumers while ensuring that utility operations are conducted transparently and responsibly.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-243gg, 16-2, 16-9, 16-25, 16-19
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-243gg, 16-9, 16-25, 16-2, 16-19
File No. 662: 16-243gg, 16-9, 16-25, 16-2, 16-19