The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection released a study Wednesday looking into how Connecticut consumes energy, and ways to drive that cost down despite having among the highest electric rates in the country.
According to the report, rates began to drop between 2009 and 2013 in part because of lower natural gas prices, but then started climbing back up to its peak, where it stands today.
To help fix that, the DEEP wants to invest more in clean energy such as solar and wind.
While many Connecticut homeowners have installed solar on the roof of their homes, restrictions like a home’s positioning or neighborhood rules prevent most homeowners from tapping into the renewable energy market.
The DEEP suggests, among other things, shifting into a more community-based grid scale program, rather than a behind-the-meter, or individual, program.
That involves using spaces such as landfills and farms to allow the possibility of offering solar on a competitive market, similar to today’s public utilities.
“We also think that speaks to our larger goal of giving consumers more choices of having a higher impact with their renewable energy purchasing,” Deputy DEEP Commissioner Mary Soto said.
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The DEEP has many more incentives listed in its report.
The state agency plans to hold public meetings on all matters related to the draft report on the following dates and locations:
August 14, 2017, 6:30 PM
Webb Hall, Room 110
Eastern CT State University
83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT
August 16, 2017, 6:30 PM
Beacon Hall Events Center, Room 214,
Housatonic Community College
900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT
August 21, 2017, 6:30 PM
Fort Trumbull State Park Conference Center
90 Walbach Street, New London, CT
August 29, 2017, 6:30 PM
Torrington City Hall Auditorium
140 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Torrington, CT
September 6, 2017, 4:00 PM
Gina McCarthy Auditorium
DEEP’s Hartford Office
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT
