The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has submitted program rules for its statewide Shared Clean Energy Facilities (SCEF) program designed to provide greater access to renewable energy by low- and moderate-income customers in the state.

The state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is expected to approve or modify the proposed rules by the end of 2019.

Shared clean energy facilities allow qualifying customers to benefit from renewable energy. The proposed rules focus the new program to serve low- and moderate-income customers and organizations that serve low-income clients. At least 50 percent of the estimated annual output of a SCEF must be allocated to these customers. This will result in more equitable access to clean, renewable energy, particularly for residents who may be unable to install their own rooftop solar panels.

Commissioner Katie Dykes said the proposed rules are an important step in crafting a program that can provide benefits to ratepayers who may not otherwise be able to benefit from rooftop solar. "The release of these program guidelines is another example of DEEP prioritizing equity in our efforts to combat climate change," Commissioner Dykes said. "One of the great features of the shared clean energy facility program is that it makes it possible for apartment dwellers and individuals without access to credit—many of whom are lower and moderate income customers. Those customers are contributing through their electric bills to the costs of these solar programs, and with this program design we want to ensure they benefit more directly."

This initiative stems from Public Act 18-50, An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Energy Future, signed into law on May 24, 2018. The program is designed to expand clean energy deployment, promote equitable participation by increasing access to clean energy for low- to moderate-income customers, optimize the positive reuse and redevelopment of existing sites, and support economic development in the state.

Under the program, developers will construct projects that range in size from 100 to 4,000 kilowatts. The projects are limited to new or incremental Class I renewable generation facilities with 20-year contracts. Each project must have at least 10 customers who ‘subscribe’ to the project’s energy output. Those projects bid into a competitive procurement each year, for six years. The annual program capacity is up to 25 megawatts and unallocated megawatts do not roll into the next year.

More information is available on DEEP’s website at: https://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=4405&Q=608910&deepNav_GID=2121