Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Benefit Cost Testing
Statutory Guidance
Per Public Act 98-28 and Connecticut General Statutes ยง16-245m(d)(3),  Connecticut must screen all programs included in the Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) Plan through cost-effectiveness testing which compares the value and payback period of program benefits to program costs.  This ensures that the programs are designed to obtain energy savings whose value is greater than the cost of the programs.
Specifically, state law authorizes the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to evaluate the programs to ensure that they are cost-effective, are administered appropriately and efficiently, and that they comply with statutory requirements. 
For more information on the current benefit-cost tests used, see the 2016-2018 C&LM Plan's Chapter Seven.
Updating the Testing Mechanisms- 2018
Connecticut recognizes that the C&LM programs have significant impacts not just on utilities and participants, but on the State's ability to meet its applicable policy goals.  Following the guidance of the 2017 National Efficiency Screening Project's National Standard Practice Manual (NSPM), DEEP is reviewing and re-evaluating the primary test used to assess the C&LM programs to ensure consistency and integrity in state efficiency programs.  The timeline for this evaluation, displayed below, provides for inclusion in the 2020 C&LM Plan Update and also includes opportunities for public participation and comment.
Public Meeting 1- September 13th, 2018.  Energize Connecticut Center, North Haven, CT.
Public Meeting 2- November 15th, 2018.  DEEP Hearing Room 1, 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT.
Public Meeting 3- March 2019, Date and Location to be announced.
Resources
Updated November 26, 2018