Press Releases
02/10/2021
PURA Establishes New Residential Renewable Energy Program
Implementation Set for January 2022
(New Britain, CT – February 10, 2021) – Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced today it has established a successor residential renewable energy program that will change how solar owners are compensated for the power their systems produce and provide to the local electric grid. The new program will replace current net metering, as well as the residential solar incentive program (RSIP), starting January 1, 2022.
Today’s ruling in Docket Number 20-07-01 is an important step in achieving the state’s goal of combating the effects of climate change through a zero-carbon electric grid by 2040.
Ultimately, the plan ensures the continued sustained and orderly development of the state’s solar industry, which historically deploys approximately 50 to 60 megawatts of residential solar per year, while putting in place important ratepayer and consumer protections that ensure ratepayers reap the benefits of renewable energy resources.
Another crucial tenet of the plan is increased inclusivity and access for low-to-moderate income customers and for those living in environmental justice communities through targeted incentives, key benchmarking metrics, and innovative direct payment options.
“It is crucial for the state to prioritize equitable renewable energy initiatives designed to modernize the state’s electric grid, to promote our state’s growing green economy, and to enhance the availability of distributed energy solutions to all ratepayers,” stated PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett. “This new plan will transform how residential solar owners are compensated while also extending greater flexibility to accommodate future electricity needs, including electric vehicle chargers and electric heating systems.”
Among other orders, PURA’s decision instructs the EDCs to focus on customer education and protection, while also setting the stage to leverage the expertise garnered by the Connecticut Green Bank through its impactful role in administering previous renewable energy programs.
Learn more about today's decision here.
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About the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority:
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily-charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state’s cable television companies. In the industries that are still wholly regulated, PURA balances the public’s right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider’s right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are protected from unfair business practices. Visit PURA’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/pura.
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Media Contact
Taren O'Connor
Director of Legislation, Regulation and Communication
860-827-2689
Taren.Oconnor@ct.gov