Signed by Governor Dan Malloy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the categorization of a Class IA renewable energy source and authorizes Class IA renewable energy sources to contribute to existing renewable energy generation requirements.

Highlights:

• Expands the definition of “Class I renewable energy source” to include electricity produced from geothermal sources, landfill methane gas, and anaerobic digestion and other biogas derived from biological sources (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Class IA renewable energy source” as any Class I renewable energy source or hydropower facility that meets certain criteria including, but not limited to, the following criteria (Sec. 1):
• The facility began operation on or after January 1, 2003; and
• The facility is located in and delivers power to the geographic eligibility area of the New England Power Pool Generation Information System, or an area bordering the northern boundary of this region that is not connected to any non-eligible area.

• Authorizes an electric company or supplier to use certain amounts of output generated by Class IA renewable energy sources to meet the total required minimum Class I renewable energy resource output including, but not limited to, the following contribution amounts (Sec. 4):
• Up to 2 percent to contribute to the minimum of 11 percent, beginning January 1, 2014;
• Up to 3.5 percent to contribute to the minimum of 17 percent, beginning January 1, 2018;
• Up to 5.5 percent to contribute to the minimum of 22 percent, beginning January 1, 2022; and
• Up to 7.5 percent to contribute to the minimum of 25 percent, beginning January 1, 2025.

• Authorizes the Commission of Energy and Environmental Protection to solicit proposals from Class I or Class IA renewable energy sources and direct the electric distribution companies to enter into power purchase agreements with then if the commissioner finds such proposals to be in the interest of ratepayers (Sec. 5). 

Full Bill Text