Connecticut House Bill HB05347

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20

Caption

An Act Concerning A Volumetric Surcharge Study By The Department Of Economic And Community Development.

Impact

The bill is intended to yield significant insights into the financial implications of existing surcharges imposed on businesses, which may play a crucial role in shaping future energy policy. This study will evaluate both the negative impacts on larger companies that typically shoulder these costs and how a cap on surcharges could potentially benefit smaller businesses. It highlights an official acknowledgment of the need for clarity on how energy costs are structured and its impact on the local economy, which could lead to a re-evaluation of existing policies.

Summary

House Bill 5347 aims to require a comprehensive study by the Department of Economic and Community Development concerning current nonbypassable surcharges, which are also referred to as combined public benefit charges. This bill specifically focuses on understanding how these surcharges impact large commercial and industrial customers. Additionally, the bill contemplates the effects of a proposed surcharge cap on small commercial and industrial enterprises, thus addressing different scales of business operations within the energy sector.

Contention

While the bill does not seem to contain provisions that may directly provoke controversy, the discussion around energy surcharges is inherently contentious. Stakeholders, including businesses and regulatory bodies, may have differing opinions on the necessity and fairness of maintaining such charges. The outcome of the study mandated by HB 5347 could spark debate regarding the balance between adequately funding public benefit programs and ensuring that energy costs remain manageable for both large and small businesses.