Digest

Energy Availability in Connecticut

CONSUMPTION AND EXPENDITURES

FINDINGS

In 1999, 839 trillion Btu of energy was consumed in Connecticut at a cost of $7 billion. This represented 256 million Btu and $2,167 per person.

• Connecticut is in the lower third of states in terms of consumption, but near the median in terms of expenditures.

FACTORS AFFECTING SUPPLY AND DEMAND

FINDINGS

The availability of energy is dependent on a number of disparate elements, many of which are inter-related.

• Factors include economic conditions, energy conservation efforts, regulatory requirements, grid reliability, environmental considerations, the weather, and geographic location.

ENERGY-RELATED ENTITIES

FINDINGS

No single individual or governmental entity has overall responsibility for energy policy in Connecticut.

• More than a dozen state governmental bodies, several federal agencies, and numerous types of private businesses have energy-related roles.

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

FINDINGS

On multiple occasions since the 1970s, the legislature has taken steps to describe and implement energy-related goals.

• C.G.S. Sec. 16a-35k, adopted in 1978, spells out a detailed vision for energy in Connecticut. On at least two occasions, state entities have been asked to develop recommendations to implement the policies outlined in that statute.

FUTURE ACTIONS

FINDINGS

One of the best short-term opportunities for the legislature to influence the overall energy situation in the state is through efforts related to energy conservation, including both improved efficiency and curtailment of consumption.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The program review committee recommends C.G.S. Sec. 16a-48 be amended to require a review of the state's energy efficiency standards for appliances at least every four years. As part of that process, new products appropriate for inclusion within the requirements of the statute should be identified.

The program review committee recommends the State of Connecticut endeavor to be a model energy consumer. As such, it should identify and then demonstrate best practices for reducing the quantity of energy consumed and diversifying the mix of fuel sources used in a variety of settings.

ELECTRICITY CONCERNS

FINDINGS

A variety of solutions exist for solving transmission problems. In most cases, successful resolution of the issue requires a mix of approaches.

• The primary options include energy conservation measures, increased use of distributed generation, construction of new power plants, and new or upgraded transmission lines.

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