Laws boost access to natural gas, renewable energy

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is now able to solicit bids for long-term contracts from developers of solar, wind, biomass and other renewable energy sources under two landmark bills signed into law yesterday.

Both pieces of legislation were passed during the 2013 legislative session, with one setting a comprehensive energy strategy for the state and the second updating the renewable energy mandates facing Connecticut utilities.

Under the latter bill, the state will help utilities to obtain clean power from sources defined as “Class I” generators, which include solar systems, wind turbines, fuel cells and certain biomass facilities, among others. Previously, the state’s electric companies were required to obtain a certain percentage of the energy they provided to consumers from renewable sources, without the state’s assistance.

In conjunction with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signing the bills, the DEEP on July 8 issued a request for proposals for long-term contracts from New England providers of renewable power in hope of delivering cheaper power to consumers. By securing long-term contracts, utilities and consumers would be more protected from the sometimes-volatile energy market.

The state’s new comprehensive energy strategy puts particular emphasis on expanding the availability of natural gas to consumers and businesses. In response, Connecticut’s natural gas companies have submitted a 10-year plan for expanding access to natural gas, which is now under review by the DEEP and the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

“This strategy builds on our effort to improve energy efficiency, increase the number of clean energy projects and expand opportunities for natural gas service,” Malloy said in a July 8 statement.