Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Guidelines for Public Comments

Posting Policy for Written Public Comments

The following policies apply to all public comments submitted to the Office of Adjudications (“OOA”). All public comments must be submitted on the docket page of the subject case. The Office of Adjudications will review written comments and post comments that adhere to the guidelines below on the Office of Adjudication’s Docket Portal. All information submitted with the written comments becomes public information. Please do not include any confidential information (e.g., Social Security Number), protected health information (e.g., health plan identification number), or other personal information in your comments. The Office of Adjudication’s Docket Portal can be found here.

  • The OOA will post written comments without edits or redactions. This means that any business or personal information included in the correspondence, such as names, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers, will be visible to the public. Submit only information that you wish to make available publicly.
  • By submitting comments to the OOA, you agree that the entirety of your comment will become part of the administrative record in the corresponding docket.
  • Submitted comments should pertain to the relevant topics regarding the subject hearing. 
  • Comments must be submitted before the published deadline. Late-filed public comments will not be permitted.
  • The OOA will not post comments that:
    • contain abusive, vulgar, offensive, threatening, or harassing language;  
    • are personal attacks of any kind; 
    • use offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups;
    • promote services or products; 
    • contain gratuitous links to products, services, or sites that are viewed as spam.

Public Comment Procedure

  • The Hearing Officer will also announce the deadline for submitting any written comments, if being accepted.
  • Each public speaker will have three minutes to present their public comment.
  • Comments, oral and written, will be considered and made part of the administrative record if relevant to the subject of the hearing.
  • The hearing is not a question-and-answer session. 
  • Respectful behavior is expected from all participants. Outbursts and untimely remarks from the audience are prohibited. 

Tips for Effective Comments

  • Make your comments effective by knowing the facts and related issues.
  • Comment only on issues relevant to the decision.
  • Follow the time limits set by the Hearing Officer.  State your concerns clearly and succinctly.  Target specific issues; include facts, data, experiences, or other information that supports your position.
  • Propose specific ideas or suggestions for solving any problems you identify.
  • Keep your comments brief and focused; do not feel compelled to comment on every issue.
  • Remember that constructive comments will help the hearing process; destructive comments are not helpful and will not be permitted.

Notice: This document is intended to provide basic information to the public; it is not intended to be legal advice and should not be considered as such. The Office of Adjudications cannot provide any advice regarding participation in the hearing process or discuss specific cases.  Legal assistance should be provided by an attorney.

 

Content last updated March 2026