Rell vetoes energy bill

Governor Jodi Rell put the kibosh on the legislature's comprehensive energy reform bill. This bill was to become the most sweeping energy change in the state since deregulation was passed in 1998.

Read here

Save the CT Clean Energy Fund

The legislature is planning to take money you pay for clean energy and apply it to the general fund. Please read the press release below and consider turning out for the public hearing on March 22.

Contact: Emily Smith,

Managing Director, External Relations

Connecticut Innovations

Phone: (860) 257-2337

Website: www.ctinnovations.com

On Monday March 22, 2010 the legislature’s Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee is holding a public hearing on S.B. 484 An Act Concerning the Governor’s Revenue Plan. This bill will “securitize” the revenue stream of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund for a 10-year period diverting funding intended to support development of renewable energy projects in Connecticut to the general fund. This proposed raid on the CCEF will have dire consequences on the continued growth and development of clean energy efforts across the State of Connecticut.

Information about the public hearing is below:

FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2010

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 22, 2010 from 10: 00 A. M. to 3: 00 P. M. in Room 2E of the LOB. Please submit 75 copies of written testimony one hour prior to the start of the hearing to Committee staff in Room 3700 of the LOB. Testimony not submitted prior to the start of the hearing will not be distributed. Sign-up for the hearing will begin at 8: 30 A. M. in the Atrium next to the up escalator. All sign up will be done by a lottery system. Each person wishing to testify should be in line prior to sign up at 8: 30 A. M. At the time of sign up you will draw a number and your name will be placed on the list next to the corresponding number on the sign up sheet. The lottery will conclude at 9: 45 A. M. and all other speakers should report to Room 3700 of the LOB where your name will be placed at the end of the list. The first hour of the hearing is reserved for Invited Speakers. The public portion will begin at approximately 11: 00 A. M. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes of testimony. Unofficial sign-up sheets have no standing with the Committee.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing you should still contact members of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding committee to voice your opposition to this proposal. A list of committee members and their e-mail addresses may be found here.

Raiding this fund is backdoor way to tax electric ratepayers - the CCEF is funded through a small surcharge on every CL&P and UI electric ratepayer’s bill. Ratepayer funding goes to support CCEF programs and initiatives that benefit Connecticut. Using this funding for purposes other than clean energy turns it into a tax on certain ratepayers. Not fair!

Ratepayer funding is used for programs and initiatives that create “green jobs” - The programs and initiatives of the CCEF have resulted in significant growth of the “green” economy across Connecticut. Its solar programs have grown an in-state solar installation industry that now boasts over 50 solar installation companies. The fuel cell industry includes over 1200 highly-skilled employees with the potential for rapid growth as fuel cell projects continue to grow in number and size. Large scale clean energy projects under the Project 150 program will create hundreds of good construction jobs. Green jobs are the jobs of the future. The Federal government is increasing commitments to green jobs by funding new clean energy projects across the country. Connecticut must invest in the future, not steal from it.

Clean energy is good for Connecticut – CCEF has put Connecticut on the map as a national leader in promoting clean energy. Its mission and goals help improve the quality of life for all Connecticut residents by creating jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, reducing greenhouse gases, improving the environment and improving public health. CCEF programs support clean energy projects at businesses, non-profits, public facilities and residences. Ratepayer funding must continue to support clean energy initiatives so that Connecticut can maintain its position as a national leader in promoting clean energy.

Raiding the CCEF puts millions of federal stimulus package dollars at risk - CCEF has worked hard to create a renewable energy industry and support clean energy projects across Connecticut. It has created strong programs and has staff in place to quickly deploy any federal dollars targeted for clean, renewable energy projects. Raiding the Fund would put an end to CCEF’s successful programs making it impossible for the state to take advantage of these federal dollars.

Link to CCEF “Talking Points/Impact Statement” www.ctcleanenergy.com/impact

Thank you for your continued support of the CCEF,

Norma Glover

Chair

CCEF Board

Clearing up facts on CFLs

Please read my letter to the editor, published in the New Haven Register. Because there were a few editing snafus in the print version, I am posting the original below.

Here is editorial that I was respnding to.

Here is the published letter.

Dear Editor

I am responding to the New Haven Register's recent Editorial about energy efficiency legislation and light bulb technology. Take what side you will on the legislation, but please get the facts straight. First, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) cost less than incandescents -- both at the counter and on your electric bill. A CFL is rated to last about eight times longer than an incandescent in the same application. For equivalent life, incandescent bulbs will total $.25x8=$2 at the counter. That's twice as expensive as the $1 CFLs I recently purchased. More significantly, efficient CFLs offer much higher savings through an immediate reductions on your electricity bill. At today's electric rates, each 60W bulb replaced with an equivalent CFL can save more than $70 over the life of the bulb.

The claim that CFLs emit less light is simply not true. Light output, measured in "lumens", can be found right on the package. Just select an output to meet your needs. You will find ratings to match equivalent incandescents. If you like the yellow color of incandescents, try a "soft white" CFL and/or use an appropriate lampshade. There have been improvements in this area so give it another go if you have been turned off in the past.

Most importantly, the notion that any incandescent can possibly compete with a CFL in terms of efficiency is laughable. An incandescent bulb is a resistance heater that sheds a little light in the process: for every 10 Watts of electricity in, 9 are shed as heat and 1 converted to visible light. The Phillips bulb referenced in your article has gained a respectable 30 percent in efficiency over a standard bulb. However, a typical CFL is 700 percent more efficient than an incandescent (10W input = 7W light + 3W heat). Is there really any contest here?

If you oppose CFL legislation because you don't like being told what to buy then so be it. But please don't throw money down the toilet because of myths and misinformation.

Stimulus $$ for CT energy projects

$25 million is available for energy and conservation projects in CT. $15 million in grants directly through the DOE and another $10 million to be distributed by the state. Luther Turmelle reports here.

Last day to support CT Solar bill

Today is the day to call your rep and ask him or her to support bill SB6635. Among other things, the effort would help use solar to reduce summer peak loads. While widespread solar power usage might still be a relatively small portion of regional generation, solar works best in the blaring hot days where peak consumption threatens blackouts. The price of electricity on the pot market shoots up thousands of percent on these days, making solar generation a dollar-smart investment. Even UI is supporting the bill.

Advocates hoping for Senate OK of solar power bill (New Haven Register)
Click here to contact your Senator (via Clean Water Action)

More details from Roger Smith of Clean Water Action:

This bill provides stable funding for residential solar installations- no longer will households compete with large and expensive commercial solar installations for scarce funds

Without this bill there is no more commercial solar program for the foreseeable future in CT- that means no new solar systems on schools, town buildings, churches and businesses, and solar companies moving to states like MA and NJ with solar programs.

In addition to funding for solar on buildings, the bill allows for large freestanding solar installations on under-utilized lands like brownfields, landfills, parking lots, etc which aren't viable under current law.

State Energy Authority

Dick Blumenthal makes a case for a state-owned energy authority in the Hartford Courant. I have to say, this sounds pretty good though I would love to hear a good rebuttal. One little item that irked me is that he questioned why electric rates didn't drop with fuel prices (as they did at the gas station after oil prices dropped).

If high oil and natural gas prices were the cause, electric rates should have fallen along with fuel prices. Rates have barely budged.

I think he is probably aware that our rates are based on long(ish)-term contracts that buffer sharp rises and dips in fuel costs. However, I do not deny that profit seeking middlemen are primary driver in our high costs.

As someone who thinks we need to use less energy, though, I have to say I am not as outraged by these prices as many others are. People are actually using less electricity. My bill is manageable because I do everything I can to conserve. People are kicking and screaming about the high rates, but is everyone really doing all they can to use less? Are they using air conditioners as soon the thermometer gets into the 70s? Still using incandescent bulbs? Leaving a large screen TV on all the time? I bet there's a lot more we can all do to make our electric bills more irrelevant.

Energy funds could be raided

Every month, residents and businesses pay a few pennies into the state's Clean Energy and Conservation & Load Management funds. These funds help pay for not only clean energy generation, but programs that reduce the strain on our electric grid. Efficiency programs have helped residents, businesses and municipalities save millions of dollars above and beyond the initial investment.

The state legislature has rejected the Governor Rell's proposal to snatch money from these funds. Unfortunately, the fight to save these funds is not over. Please call your representatives and ask them not to touch the fund. Tempting as it is, this will actually cost us money in the long run as we neglect important investments in efficiency and infrastructure. Call your representatives, ask where they stand and voice your opinion on the matter.

Public Power Authority -- Public Hearing Tuesday, Feb 24

I've been asked to post the following press release regarding a Public Hearing for House Bill 6510 (AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY). This authority will have the ... um,  authority to own and operate power generation facilities.   More answers below and you can read the bill by clicking right here.   

Energy and Technology Committee 

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA 

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 

1:00 PM in Room 2D of the LOB 

 H.B. No. 6510 (RAISED) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY.

Connecticut Electric Authority

HB 6510 AA Establishing a Public Power Authority

What is a Connecticut Electric Authority? 

A Connecticut Electric Authority (CEA) is a quasi-public state agency responsible for lowering electricity costs to all consumers.  Currently, electricity regulation, system planning, electricity procurement and conservation are handled by numerous state agencies in a disjointed manner.   Under a CEA, a single state electricity “czar” would consolidate state efforts and reduce electricity rates. Rates would be reduced by expediting the transition from purchasing electricity based on the quirky Federal Energy Regulatory Commission market rules  to a cost-of-service system where consumers pay only for the cost of generating electricity and a reasonable profit.  A CEA should, over a period of years, reduce electricity rates up to 20%.  If the CEA can reduce rates by just 1 cent per kilowatt/hour, consumer electricity bills would be reduced by 5.5%, or $300 million.  This is a large rate of return on a $2 million CEA budget.

Why do we need a CEA? 

1.  We need one agency to purchase our electricity directly from generators. 

Connecticut’s electricity prices are the second highest in the continental U.S.  Our current system of purchasing electricity does not provide rate protection for consumers.    Federal electricity market rules skew upwards the price we pay for electricity.   A CEA will have the authority to plan and purchase electricity directly from generators, reducing long-term electricity costs for consumers.

2.  We need one agency to bolster electricity supply and promote renewable sources. 

When it would be beneficial for consumers, a CEA with bonding authority will be able to provide low-cost financing for new, highly efficient power plants to augment our existing fleet, replacing old, inefficient polluters.  A CEA with long-term contracting authority will then be able to negotiate low-cost electricity purchases from these new plants. 

3.  We need one agency to reduce demand for electricity. 

Reduced demand for electricity through the ‘grid’ system will reduce overall electricity prices.  Connecticut can reduce electricity costs through a focused approach to conservation.  We currently have numerous governmental entities funding conservation programs, but these efforts are not coordinated effectively for consumers.  A single agency with fully integrated conservation programs and a system to allow consumers to readily access comprehensive conservation assistance is the most effective way to reduce electricity demand and allow consumers to control their utility bills.

UI Rate Hike Denied

UI's latest request to raise distribution charges has been denied by the DPUC.

State says lights out to UI rate hike (Luther Turmelle, New Haven Register)

Tonight: UI seeks comments on rate increase

United Illuminating is seeking permission to raise distribution rates over the next couple of years.  According to this letter (pdf) from UI president Anthony Vallillo, the rate increase is due in part to a reduction in demand.  While the amount that the company collects depends entirely on customer usage, the cost of maintaining the grid does not vary linearly with demand.  Therefore, they say, UI needs to raise the per-KWh rates to make up the difference (and to make up for an increase in uncollectables, pension plans, and new capital expenditures).  Since United Illuminating's services are heavily regulated by the state, they need permission from the DPUC in order to raise rates.  

The rate increase will affect only the distribution portion of your bill, so while that rate will increase by about 40% over the next two years (26% in 2009 and another 13.1% in 2010), your total bill will increase by about 10%.  If you haven't already replaced all your lights with CFLs, now is a good time.

Come hear the case and share your thoughts on the matter.  Here is the meeting info:

Tuesday, Dec 16th, 6:30 PM

Hall of Records, Room G-2

200 Orange Street

New Haven, CT

Now you see it, now you don't -- CT's solar rebate fund goes broke

CT has run out of money for residential solar subsidies. The rebate program, which offered rebates of up to 30% of the installed cost, may be shuttered until 2010. The solar leasing program, however, will remain in effect, as will a federal tax rebate program of up to 30% of installed cost.

Read more here (Business New Haven)
Solar leasing program here (CCEF)
Federal tax incentives here -- 41 page pdf (SEIA)

CT reduces solar rebate

As federal tax incentives for solar installations lose their $2k cap, the CT Clean Energy Fund is lowering its subsidy.  CCEF says this reduction in benefit is a response to the increased federal aid and is meant to maintain the same percentage of out-of-pocket expense for the applicant. New rebates are shown below.

Read the memo from CCEF (small pdf)

Support Public Transportation

I know I've been slack lately, just busy busy busy with the baby.  I'll try to generate more content soon (I have a few things brewing), but for now I will just pass along items of interest.

Regarding the posting below, please don't ever just take someone else's word for it, read the legislation yourself before supporting it.

Hello everyone,

Tri-State Transportation Campaign urges you to contact both Senator Dodd and Senator Lieberman and urge them to co-sponsor or publicly support Senate Bill 3380, The Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act. This bill would bring approximately $20 million in operating funds from the federal government to Connecticut and could be used to stave off possible fare hikes on several of Connecticut's mass transit systems, including Metro-North and the Greater Bridgeport Transit system.

Adequate operating funding is integral to the overall and long term health of Connecticut's mass transit network. However, due to high energy costs and unexpected ridership numbers, these transit systems are finding their annual operating budgets are being depleted at faster than projected rates while the agencies ask the riders, often those that can afford it least, to pick up the tab.


So please take the time to reach out to Senators Dodd and Lieberman at the contact information below.



U.S. Senator Chris Dodd
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083
30 Lewis St Suite 101 | Hartford, CT 06103
Tel: (860) 258-6940/(800) 334-5341 —CT only
Fax: (860) 258-6958

http://dodd.senate.gov/index.php?q=node/3128

U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman
Washington, DC Office
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4041
(202) 224-9750 Fax

Connecticut Office

One Constitution Plaza
7th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 549-8463 Voice
(800) 225-5605 In CT
(866) 317-2242 Fax

http://lieberman.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm?regarding=issue
Thanks in advance for your support and please let others know about this issue!


Best,
Ryan


Senior Planner/Connecticut Coordinator
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
350 West 31st Street, Suite 802
New York, NY 10001
www.tstc.org
NYC Office: 212-268-7474
CT Cell: 860-796-6988
LI Cell: 631-742-7528

Energy Policy Database

Here is a useful summary of Connecticut legislation regarding energy efficiency and emissions. For example, a tax incentive for Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is outlined in House Bill 7432.

Rebates available: get $$$$ back for upgrading your boiler or furnace

The following is a press release for CT Senator Bob Duff. He refers to Stamford & Darien residents, though the rebates are available to all CT residents who meet the criteria. It may even apply retroactively to installations completed last year.

August 5, 2008

Duff: New Hotline Allows Residents to Take Advantage of Furnace Rebates

Call 1-866-940-4676 to request rebate application materials

State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) is urging all Norwalk and Darien residents considering replacing their home furnaces before this winter’s heating season to take advantage of a new state rebate program created by the General Assembly in 2007.

Under the program, Connecticut families with household incomes up to approximately $100,000 can receive a $500 rebate toward the purchase of a new, energy efficient furnace or boiler for their home. Families earning up to $200,000 may also be eligible for smaller rebates.

“Most homeowners don’t consider replacing their furnace unless it breaks down,” said Senator Duff. “But the reality is that replacing an inefficient furnace can help save hundreds of dollars on energy costs, especially during the winter heating season. This program is designed to make it easier for middle-income families to replace their old furnace or boiler with one that meets a higher efficiency standard.”

Senator Duff added, “With projected prices for heating oil this winter expected to be around $5 per gallon, it’s important that we do all we can to be prevent what could be a crisis for many Connecticut families. I’d expect the demand for this rebate program to be very high over the next few months, and I urge all of my qualifying constituents to take advantage of this opportunity very quickly.”

Forms and instructions for applying for the rebates will be available from the state Office of Policy and Management within two weeks. However, interested residents can begin immediately calling toll-free 1-800-940-4676 to request the forms, which will be mailed to home addresses.

The rebates are available for qualifying furnaces and boilers installed any time after July 1, 2007. Yesterday, the State Bond Commission approved $5 million to fund the program, which is expected to help about 100,000 middle-income Connecticut families this year.

States boost efficiency spending

Connecticut has approved a budget increase for energy efficiency programs administered by the former electric utilities -- UI and CL&P. This is intended to allow for continued services like free energy audits and efficiency rebates.

For more info on free energy audits:
click here UI customers
click here CL&P customers

(hooray)

Broadwater approved by FERC

The Broadwater LNG terminal floated past one of it's last remaining regulatory roadblocks yesterday. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission welcomed the project with open arms and rebuffed Connecticut officials who opposed it. Blumenthal threatened to sue. Approvals from the US Coast Guard and several NY state departments are pending. Let's hope the new NY governor has his mind on his job.

FERC press release
CT Governor Jodi Rell press release
NH Register article
Richard Blumenthal press release
New Haven Independent

Two takes on CT's fuel cell investment strategy

I enjoyed the contrast between these two opinion pieces regarding investments of public funds into fuel cell technology. The first is a letter signed by three CT state representatives. They enthusiastically endorse a $200 million investment into a technology that could have a "huge impact" on our state's economy.

"The state already has 20 percent of the world's fuel cell producing work force."

Wow, 20 percent out of the whole world! Sounds impressive, but according to this piece in the Hartford Courant, this amount to only 1,200 jobs. That's less than 0.1% (one tenth of one percent) of jobs in the state.

My opinion -- buy technologies that make sense. Will forty million-dollar fuel cell bus recuperate the investment in fuel savings? Will they have a significant impact on emissions? The technology will take off when it can compete on these levels. Already there are niche markets where fuel cells make sense and more are developing as the technology improves.

Raising the age, lowering the consumption

Governor Jodi Rell says she's not interested in raising the driving age from 16 to 17. Aside from the safety issues, she (and the legislation) should consider this effect on energy consumption. According to the 2000 census, about 2% of the driving-age population is 16. A 2% reduction in fuel consumption would be a significant achievement. Actually, it might be higher as a 16-year-old might spend more time on the road than an 80-year-old. I would encourage the legislation to investigate this more thoroughly.

Energy investment priorities

I typically try to keep things local here, but I thought this was a pretty interesting graph. Really puts our national priorities into perspective.