Connecticut Senate advances bill to increase renewable portfolio standard, revise net metering

The Connecticut Senate recently advanced a bill that increases the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and revises its net metering policies.

The bill, an Act Concerning Connecticut’s Energy Future, now moves to the House of Representatives.

“Connecticut has been a national leader in policies designed to combat the effects of climate change and this bill is no exception,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said. “By promoting clean, renewable energy, we will not only reduce our overall emissions, we will create good jobs in the green economy. I want to thank all of the advocates who worked tirelessly to push for this commonsense legislation, and the co-chairs of the Energy Committee for their collaboration.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 9, increases the RPS to 40 percent, revises the state’s net metering program, and expands opportunities for municipalities, state agencies and agricultural customers to deploy renewables under an auction structure.

It also creates successor programs for programs such Low-Emission Renewable Energy Credits, Zero-Emission Renewable Energy Credits, and Solar Home Renewable Credits. It also creates a statewide shared clean energy program for low- to moderate-income customers.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) expressed concerns about the bill as they do not believe it is clear as to what extent the legislation would open large-scale or community solar markets.

“Ninety percent of Americans support solar energy,” Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for SEIA, said. “In order for this bill to truly represent the values of Constitution State residents, it must include strong RPS and community solar provisions and refrain from gutting net energy metering. We are concerned that this particular approach falls short, and it should not be considered a model in Connecticut or anywhere else.”