The Rell administration says a proposed overhaul of state energy policy would add about $91 million to electric bills and limit consumer access to power-supply alternatives.
A coalition of groups on Monday said the bill sets a goal of reducing electric bills by 15 percent, provides financial incentives for the solar energy industry and reorganizes how the electric industry is regulated in the state.
In a letter to lawmakers proposing the bill backed by Connecticut’s solar energy industry and various consumer advocacy groups, Office of Policy and Management chief Robert Genuario says his office estimates the bill would add $82 million to residential and commercial electric bills.
Another $9 million in administrative costs would come from the measure, Genuario said.
It would also likely undo or negatively impact other energy initiatives already passed but not yet in effect, he said in a letter co-signed by state Department of Public Utility Control Chairman Kevin DelGobbo, a Rell appointee.
The letter is addressed to key Democrats, including state Senate President Pro Tem Donald Fonfara, and state Rep. Vickie Orsini Nardello.
“We would respectfully request that as you consider your position on this proposed legislation,” he wrote, “you consider, not only these additional ratepayer costs, but that you also seriously consider what are the impacts of these new incentives on provisions already enacted in previous legislative sessions but not yet reflected in rates.”
Some Republican lawmakers, the minority party in the General Assembly, have criticized the bill, claiming it was written behind closed doors by the two Democratic co-chairmen of the energy committee and various lobbyists.
The Senate was considering whether to bring the bill up for a vote on Monday. The legislative session ends at midnight on Wednesday.
