Substitute Senate Bill No. 306, now Public Act No. 26-121, amends the process for developing the Comprehensive Energy Strategy in Connecticut. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with various state officials including the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, prepare this strategy every four years, starting October 1, 2026. The new legal language emphasizes the inclusion of a broader range of stakeholders in the strategy's development and outlines specific components that the strategy must address, such as energy needs, greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements, and the evaluation of current energy supplies and costs.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedural requirements for public engagement in the strategy's development. It requires the Commissioner to conduct public and technical meetings, provide ample notice, and allow for a 60-day public review period for comments. The final strategy must be submitted electronically to relevant legislative committees, and the Commissioner is empowered to modify the strategy based on public feedback. The bill also introduces new considerations for future strategies, including the impact of low-carbon fuel blends on greenhouse gas emissions and the potential benefits of a thermal portfolio standard. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the state's energy policy framework while ensuring transparency and stakeholder involvement.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
CE Joint Favorable:
File No. 347:
Public Act No. 26-121: