Connecticut House Bill HB06631

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/19
• Refer: 1/29/19

Caption

An Act Repealing Provisions Regarding Ratepayer Impact Statements.

Impact

The repeal of ratepayer impact statements could lead to significant changes in how energy regulations are formulated and implemented at the state level. Supporters of the bill argue that removing these statements will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the regulatory process, potentially leading to quicker decisions on energy policy. However, there are concerns that this repeal may undermine consumer protection by eliminating a mechanism that provides transparency and accountability regarding how proposed regulations could affect electricity rates and other costs for consumers.

Summary

House Bill 06631 is a legislative proposal aimed at repealing specific provisions related to ratepayer impact statements. Introduced by Representative Godfrey, the bill seeks to eliminate one subsection from section 2-24a of the general statutes. The core objective of this bill revolves around simplifying the regulatory process by removing the requirement for ratepayer impact statements, which are used to assess the potential economic effects of proposed energy regulations on consumers.

Contention

Discussions around HB 06631 reveal a divide among legislators and stakeholders regarding the importance of ratepayer impact statements. Proponents believe that the repeal will promote efficiency and enhance the state's ability to respond to emerging energy challenges without excessive regulatory burden. Conversely, opponents fear that the absence of these statements could result in less informed regulatory decisions, adversely affecting consumers, especially in scenarios where costs may increase as a result of new regulations on energy providers.