Substitute House Bill No. 5551 proposes significant amendments to the operational structure and procedural requirements of the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) under the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The bill restructures council membership to include key state officials and mandates that at least two public members possess ecological expertise, while prohibiting members from having financial ties to utilities or hazardous waste facilities for three years prior to their appointment. Additionally, the bill introduces new procedural requirements, such as the necessity for the participation of the DEEP Commissioner and the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in all meetings and hearings, and establishes guidelines for municipal representation and conflict of interest management.

The bill also enhances the application process for electric generation and storage facilities, requiring detailed financial disclosures, emergency response plans, and independent analyses of alternatives. It mandates public information meetings and consultations with municipalities prior to filing applications, ensuring local input is considered. Furthermore, the bill prohibits electric distribution companies from recovering certain advertising costs through customer rates and establishes a Consumer Counsel and Public Utility Control Fund to support consumer advocacy. Overall, these changes aim to improve transparency, public engagement, and regulatory compliance within the CSC's operations while ensuring environmental protections and local governance are prioritized.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 16-50n, 16-19d, 16-243gg, 16-50p
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 16-50n, 16-19d, 16-243gg, 16-48a, 16-50p
File No. 439: 16-50n, 16-19d, 16-243gg, 16-48a, 16-50p