WRAP UP:

CPES Convenes Annual Forum with Lawmakers
to Discuss Energy Policy

Legislators representing the leadership of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology (E&T) Committee shared their energy priorities for the 2020 legislative session on February 24^th with members of the Connecticut Power and Energy Society and the Connecticut Bar Association’s Energy Section. State Sen. Norm Needleman and State Rep. David Arconti, both co-chairs of E&T, and State Rep. Charles Ferraro, ranking member of the committee, returned to CPES for the annual legislative preview, which is one of the year’s most highly rated events. Joe MacDougald, the executive director of UConn Law’s Center for Energy & Environmental Law, kicked off the event, which took place at the UCONN School of Law in Hartford.

The legislators said they look forward to building on the success of the last session where the state made a big commitment to offshore wind. This session, they said they plan to continue a focus on renewable energy, and in particular, how to turn Governor Ned Lamont’s vision – achieving a 100 percent zero carbon target for the electric sector by 2040 – into public policy in a reasonable way that takes into account the costs for ratepayers. [Gov. Lamont announced this vision in Executive Order No. 3 in September 2019.] The co-chairs said the committee takes on very complex issues and operates in a bipartisan manner.

Legislators covered a wide range of topics during the forum, including reducing carbon and making the electric grid more efficient. They discussed climate change, electric vehicles and charging stations, solar power, offshore wind, green jobs, and the important role of cities in attracting young people to stay in Connecticut. They noted that Connecticut is uniquely positioned to be a leader for the deployment of offshore wind, given that the state is home to two deep-water ports that do not have any overhead obstructions. They also discussed the rules for retail electricity supply in Connecticut, customer shutoffs, 5G technology, and the impact of rulings by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on wholesale markets in other regions and the potential impact to New England.

Legislators said “the clock” is one of the biggest challenges this session. They said the committee has a lot to do in a short amount of time. The legislative session began on February 5 and will adjourn May 6. E&T is planning public hearings beginning February 27. CPES members can track the committee’s activity on their website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/et/

This engaging and interactive discussion is a must-attend event for energy and government-relations professionals in Connecticut. You will learn first-hand about the top energy priorities for the 2020 legislative session and have opportunities for questions and answers with legislators.

CPES is once again partnering with the Connecticut Bar Association’s Energy Section to bring you the Annual Legislative Preview. The leaders of the Energy & Technology Committee will provide insight on their priorities for the 2020 Legislative Session.

Moderated by:  Jennifer Galiette, Senior Counsel at Eversource Energy

• Co-Chairs: Senator Norm Needleman and Representative David Arconti
• Ranking Members: Senator Paul Formica and Representative Charles Ferraro

REGISTER
AGENDA: 
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking Dinner Reception
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM: Panel Discussion with Legislators

WHERE:
University of Connecticut School of Law, 55 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105;
William F. Starr Hall, second floor, Reading Room
UCONN School of Law MAP   |  Parking

CLE CREDITS:
CT: 1.5 CLE Credits*  |  NY: 0.0 CLE Credits*