An Act Concerning A Study Of The Structure Of Energy Policy And Regulation In The State And The Separate Functions Of The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority And Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection.
This bill represents a significant examination of the state's energy governance approach. By analyzing the structure and effectiveness of DEEP as well as the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, this study could lead to recommendations for legislative amendments aimed at enhancing energy management in Connecticut. The consultant's findings, due by January 1, 2025, may influence future legislative action related to energy policy and regulation, thereby potentially impacting how energy initiatives are developed and implemented within the state.
SB01167, an Act Concerning a Study of the Structure of Energy Policy and Regulation in the State, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the legislative changes that established the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill mandates the Department of Administrative Services to hire a consultant to undertake an impartial study assessing whether the alterations made by Public Act 11-80 have achieved their intended goals and to examine energy policy frameworks in other states for potential insights and improvements.
The main point of contention surrounding SB01167 may arise from differing perspectives on the need for such a study. Proponents argue that a thorough evaluation is crucial for ensuring that the state’s energy regulatory framework continues to align with its energy goals and effectively meets the needs of residents and industries. Conversely, some may view the necessity for a study, and the associated costs, as unnecessary bureaucracy, questioning whether this legislative effort serves the immediate needs of energy policy or merely complicates the existing framework.