Solar power and procurement were the main policy focus for the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee during the 2024 General Assembly session.
CBIA supported the emphasis by committee co-chair Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport) on expanding the use of solar energy in the state.
That policy emphasis including cutting red tape inhibiting commercial renewable energy investments, including removing the savings investment ratio on certain C-PACE loans to free up additional long-term low-interest loans.
HB 5232, which morphed into the energy omnibus bill, included the C-PACE loan provisions. The bill awaits Gov. Ned Lamont’s signature after receiving bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
Other parts of the bill focused on studying the uniform capacity tax for solar, as well as a study of the existing renewable energy tariff programs that PURA operates.
HB 5232 also targeted expanding the state’s solar canopy system by instructing towns to streamline zoning approval processes.
Streaming Tax, PURA
The committee also approved HB 5446, extending the existing gross earnings tax on cable and satellite television companies to other communications services provided over the internet, such as streaming.
That bill, opposed by CBIA and other business groups, died when the House failed to act on it by the legislature’s May 8 deadline.
A last-minute amendment to SB 385, which passed both chambers in the waning days of session, allows PURA to open a docket to award the following programs to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut Green Bank, an electrical distribution company, or other third party.
- The Nonresidential Renewable Energy Solutions program
- The Residential Renewable Energy Solutions program
- The Shared Clean Energy Facility program
- A light-duty or medium- to heavy-duty electric vehicle charging program established in a PURA proceeding
CBIA voiced concerns on this amendment as it expanded the power of PURA and potentially could impact energy investments.
For more information, contact CBIA’s Pete Myers (860.244.1921).
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