Connecticut House Bill HB05382

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/19
• Refer: 1/16/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Connecticut Siting Council Assessment Of Electric Suppliers.

Impact

If passed, HB 5382 would significantly alter the regulatory framework governing electric suppliers in Connecticut. By prohibiting assessments by the Connecticut Siting Council, the bill could lead to a reevaluation of how electric suppliers operate, as they would have fewer regulatory checks on their pricing and business practices. The expectation is that any savings from the lack of assessments will be channeled back to consumers, which proponents argue is a critical step toward increasing energy affordability. However, this approach raises concerns about insufficient oversight in an increasingly complex energy landscape, which may lead to potential exploitation by suppliers.

Summary

House Bill 5382 proposes amendments to section 16-50r of the general statutes concerning the Connecticut Siting Council's authority over electric suppliers. The bill aims to prevent the Connecticut Siting Council from assessing electric suppliers, thereby removing its evaluative powers regarding these entities. This legislative effort intends to ensure that any financial savings achieved due to the removal of such evaluations are directly passed on to the consumers by the electric suppliers. The idea is to enhance consumer protection and affordability in electric services amidst evolving energy markets.

Contention

The bill's supporters argue that removing the oversight from the siting council will foster a more competitive environment among electric suppliers, thereby benefiting consumers through lower costs. However, opponents may contend that this move undermines necessary regulatory safeguards. Critics are likely to express concerns that such deregulation could result in unfavorable conditions for consumers, particularly if suppliers prioritize profit over customer interests. The debate on this bill reflects broader tensions in energy policy between promoting market efficiency and ensuring robust consumer protections.