A pending bill in the General Assembly would create a Connecticut Energy and Technology Authority, replacing the Public Utilities Control Authority that now regulates the state’s utilities, the Connecticut Mirror reports.
The revamped authority would have the added responsibility of promoting new technologies and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydro-power, the Mirror reports on its Web site.
It would conduct research and evaluate what has been a volatile industry since deregulation. It also would play a stronger role in procuring energy.
It marries elements of disparate bills promoted by Nardello, who unsuccessfully fought deregulation as the energy vice chairwoman, and those favored by Fonfara, a deregulation advocate.
Opponents already are trying to undermine the bill, which is an amalgam of several pieces of legislation, saying it is too ambitious and too complicated to take up in the last days of the session.
