The Hartford trade group Renewable Energy & Efficiency Business Association will focus on obtaining a greater quantity and quality of state contracts, as well as securing industry money, during the 2014 legislative session.
REEBA is proposing four policy initiatives with its members to advocate to the General Assembly next year.
The first is adding a second solicitation annually to the Zero-emissions and Low-emissions Renewable Energy Credit program. Currently, ZREC/LREC only issues contracts once per year, but REEBA would like to see that doubled.
Secondly, REEBA would like a larger version of the ZREC/LREC program implemented, offering long-term contracts for projects between 1-20 megawatts. ZREC/LREC focuses on project less than 1 megawatt.
Third, REEBA wants the legislature to pass a measure ensuring that clean energy funds will not be raided to make up for budget shortfalls. During the budgeting process last year, the state proposed taking money from the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority and the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund to plug holes in the general fund.
Lastly, REEBA wants the permitting process for solar and fuel cells to be streamlined and coordinated throughout the 169 communities in Connecticut. Each town currently has its own rules and costs for the renewable installations, and REEBA would like to simplify the process.
