OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 6536

AN ACT CONCERNING LOW INCOME ENERGY PROGRAMS.

SUMMARY:

This bill eliminates a person's need to reapply for a fuel assistance program for three years once his or her application for the program has been approved. Community action agencies administer the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program on behalf of the Department of Social Services (DSS).

The bill requires the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to conduct a contested case (quasi-judicial) proceeding to investigate the feasibility, structure, and cost of implementing rate discounts to make gas and electricity more affordable for low-income customers. It requires DPUC, by January 1, 2010, to report to the Energy and Technology Committee on the results of its investigation.

PA 08-2, August Special Session, appropriated $ 2 million from FY 09 funds to DSS to develop a plan for several energy assistance and efficiency measures, including coordinating this funding with the existing weatherization assistance programs. The bill requires the plan to establish a goal, for the coordinated programs, of weatherizing at least 30% of the eligible households and reducing energy consumption in each of these households by at least 20% within five years of its passage.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Related Bill

sSB 1101, reported favorably by the Energy and Technology Committee, requires DPUC to conduct a proceeding on electric and gas rate discounts, and the electric and gas companies to implement such rates in accordance with DPUC's decision in the proceeding.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Program Review and Investigations Committee

Joint Favorable Change of Reference

Energy and Technology Committee

Joint Favorable