Connecticut is a leading state in its energy efficiency programs and policies, with strong policy leadership on efficiency from the governor on down through the legislature. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in December 2018 gave its approval with conditions to the proposed 2019-2021 Conservation and Load Management Plan — the joint, statewide electric and gas energy efficiency plans. The new plan includes specific details on how it will align with the 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES). The CES details eight long-arm strategies for transitioning the state to a zero-carbon economy. The first two strategies are focused on energy efficiency in buildings. To align with the CES, the electric distribution companies will explore the development of an all-electric package for the Residential New Construction program, as well as an Electric Vehicle (“EV”) Readiness Criteria and cost-effective low-carbon heating technology incentive for heat pumps.

The 2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy is an update to the 2013 CES. This update will advance Connecticut's goal to create a cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy future for its residents and businesses. By statute, DEEP is required to periodically update the CES to assess and plan for all energy needs in the state, include, but not limited to, electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation. The plan includes a building, transportation, and electric power section, as well as a distributed generation cost analysis. 

Strategies include, but are not limited to:

1. Ensure sustainable and equitable funding for energy efficiency
2. Advance market transformation for the energy efficiency industry
3. Grow and sustain renewable and zero-carbon generation in the state and region

In light of the CES update, Governor Malloy introduced two bills, both of which passed in the 2018 session. Senate Bill 9 manadates 40 percent of electricity to be from renewable energy by 2030.  It eliminates the Conservation and Load Management Fund (a.k.a., the “Energy Efficiency Fund”) in which revenues from the current charges are deposited and instead requires revenue from the new conservation adjustment mechanism to be used to further the CLM Plan (rather than be deposited in the fund). It also requires all services provided under the plan to be available to all EDC customers, regardless of how they heat their homes. In June 2019, Governor Lamont signed House Bill 7156, which authorizes the procurement of energy derived from offshore wind to expand the state’s renewable energy portfolio.

The Energy Efficiency Board and the Connecticut Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA or the “Green Bank”) are now holding quarterly joint board meetings. This initiative has improved com­munication and coordination of program funds. The Green Bank will use private capital to help recapitalize some of the financing products that the utilities use, with the Energy Ef­ficiency Fund dollars helping to ensure projects are economical for customers.

Policy & Program Information

Connecticut at a Glance