In one of the most widely anticipated legislative actions this session, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 4 on Tuesday night with a bipartisan 144-3 vote. The wide-ranging legislation seeks to lower electricity rates, modernize the electric grid, expand oversight of utility companies and prepare for a decarbonized energy future.
The Senate had approved the measure 34-1 on Monday. It now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont, who has confirmed he will sign it.
“Like many people, I think electric bills are too damn high, and this bipartisan bill is a first step in addressing a complex issue,” Lamont said in a written statement, “This legislation is one step in the effort to make energy rates more affordable and we should not stop here.”
Lamont credited lawmakers in both parties for their collaboration and added, “Let’s keep doing more to reduce electric rates.”
House Energy and Technology Committee Chair Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, who spearheaded the legislation in the House, said SB 4 reflects years of work to address constituent frustration with utility costs.
“This is the bill we’ve all been talking about, we’ve all been waiting for. It’s finally here,” Steinberg said. “The bill has three A’s: affordability, access, and accountability.”
He pointed to approximately $100 million in annual savings through reduced public benefits charges, with total savings estimated near $300 million due to combined reforms.
“These are not wholesale cuts,” he said. “We’re redirecting and optimizing.”
The bill establishes a new state-funded Energy Assistance Account that will use up to $250 million in bonding to support hardship programs previously paid through electric bills. It also authorizes utilities to procure up to 25% of standard service supply from short-term or “dynamic” markets, a departure from the existing procurement model.
Steinberg said this flexibility could help avoid overpaying when energy markets shift rapidly.
The bill also finances the rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure, known as “smart meters,” and mandates the integration of grid-enhancing technologies. PURA will be allowed to authorize cost recovery for AMI if proven beneficial to ratepayers.
Finally, the bill allocates $5 million for nuclear site readiness, aligning with Connecticut’s 100% zero carbon electricity goal by 2040. It also expands renewable energy tariffs and limits behind-the-meter program access based on income levels and equity metrics.
Rep. Tracy Marra, R-Darien, said the bill puts affordability first.
“We … looked at how electric companies can purchase energy in better, more dynamic ways,” she said. “We believe we can see savings there.”
She also noted the $5 million for nuclear readiness.
“It’s not going to happen in the next five years, but we’re laying the groundwork now,” she said.
Wallingford Democrat Mary Mushinsky said Connecticut must prepare for growing demand.
“Climate change, hot summers, and data centers are changing the equation,” she said. “We need to plan now.”
Only three representatives: Mark DeCaprio, R-Shelton; Gale Mastrofrancesco, R-Wolcott; and Karen Reddington-Hughes, R-Woodbury voted against SB 4. Four members, Reps. Donna Veach, R-Berlin, Chris Stewart, R-Putnam, Brian Lanoue, R-Griswold, and Brandon Chafee, D-Middletown were absent or did not vote.
According to the Lamont’s press office, the nearly $400 million in projected annual savings builds on a recent 25% reduction in the public benefits charge approved by PURA in May, and precedes an additional 13% supply rate reduction set for July 1.
The Full Article can be found at WSHU.
