The undersigned energy providing companies, who employ more than 3,400 employees in Connecticut are writing to urge members to vote against LCO 4558. This comprehensive energy bill has only just been made available to the public for reaction.
It is far reaching legislation and contains numerous provisions which were never the subject of any public hearings. Although members of the public and industry have attempted in the very short time provided to identify and explain concerns and offer modifications the bill nevertheless remains substantially unchanged from two days ago.
In its current state it is our collective opinion that the net effect of this bill will be to lessen competition and increase the cost of electricity for Connecticut consumers, despite its obvious intent to do otherwise. We encourage the General Assembly not to rush to passage of this deeply flawed bill with all of its unintended consequences.
At a time when citizens and businesses are struggling to emerge from a recession we need more incentives for robust competition and more certainty and stability in Connecticut’s energy policy. This bill undermines both and should be rejected.
The following is an analysis of the proposed legislation by the state office of Policy and Management: DOCS2H-#40272588-v1-Genuario_Memo_re___LCO_4175
The signatories to this letter are:
Bridgeport Energy, LLC
Con Ed Solutions
Constellation Energy
Direct Energy
Discount Energy
Energy Plus Holdings LLC
Exelon Corporation
GDF SUEZ Energy North America
Gexa Energy
Hess Corporation
Integrys Energy Services
Liberty Power
MXenergy
New England Power Generators Association (NEPGA)
NextEra Energy Resources
NRG Energy
PPL EnergyPlus, LLC
PSEG Power
Public Power LLC
RBS Sempra Commodities Group
The Retail Energy Supply Association
Starion Energy
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Tell us more about this bill please. Keep in mind that It was State Senator Tom Ritter who introduced us to deregulation of Electricity that has given us the highest rates in the country.
the bill would raise the service distribution charge to pay for another branch of the DPUC. The bill would also try and mandate a reduction of rates, and if the reduction does not occurs it suggests a costly process of trying to leave ISO New England. Call your legislator ask them if they really know what the bill does.
This would only raise rates further, cyril. If Connecticut were to leave ISO New England, any transmission lines constructed would be paid for by all Connecticut ratepayers. Right now, the costs for these billion dollar lines are split between the six New England States. Plus, the provision to lower rates by 15% for five years is idiotic. Energy still is expensive so if you drop rates artificially for 5 years, the utilities will still have to buy power at higher rates and will just push these costs further into the future. When the five years are up, rates will sky rocket. Whomever wrote this bill has no understanding of the energy market.
response from the Conn Fund For The Environment
CFE Strongly Supports Passage of Energy Bill
Hartford–Connecticut Fund for the Environment staff attorney Charles Rothenberger echoed the message brought forward in a Capitol press conference today by consumer, business, and environmental advocacy groups urging passage of the Nardello-Fonfara energy bill. The energy bill has been the subject of extensive negotiation over the past several weeks, but with only three days remaining in the 2010 session, supporters are ratcheting up efforts to get the bill on the floor for a vote.
“We applaud our legislative leaders for crafting a bill that is a win-win for consumers and for the environment,†said Rothenberger. “Consumers need rate relief and this legislation has the potential to be hugely beneficial in reducing energy costs and moving the state towards a clean energy future. We urge lawmakers to reject the intense lobbying by special interests and get this over the finish line.â€
Initiatives in the package that will significantly reduce energy use and help the state stay on track to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals set forth in Connecticut’s 2008 climate change law include energy efficiency standards for consumer electronics, innovative energy efficiency financing opportunities, and additional incentives to increase the amount of solar energy deployed in the state.
In order to address the high demands televisions make upon household power, the bill would establish current Energy Star guidelines for televisions as the minimum standard. Experts anticipate that by 2020, adopting these standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 105,000 metric tons—or the equivalent of removing 20,000 cars from the roads—and boost energy savings enough to power 20,000 homes. This bill preserves consumer choice while ensuring that every television sold in the state will be an efficient one—and that Connecticut will not become a dumping ground for the worst-performing products.
PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy financing), allows property owners to take out low-interest loans to make energy efficiency improvements to their properties. If the property is sold, the loan remains with the property, not with the borrower, and the terms of the loan are offset by the energy savings enjoyed by the borrower.
Rothenberger commented, “This bill is a great example of how economic growth and environmental protection complement each other. This bill drives advancements in technology at the same time it reduces air pollution by hundreds of tons. It sets the stage for statewide green job growth and reduces our dependence on greenhouse gas-emitting fuels. Most importantly, it moves us towards a smart, clean energy future.â€