Committee agrees to raise broad electric-utilities concept for hearing after members flag need for focused language

Hartford — The Energy and Technology Committee voted to raise for public hearing a broad concept concerning electric utilities, a discussion the cochairs said is intended to solicit input on ratepayer protections, alternatives and utility roles as Connecticut charts energy policy.

Representative Jonathan Steinberg, cochair, framed the topic as an effort to “have a broad conversation” about utilities’ roles and ratepayer interests. During discussion Representative Ictorino asked where potential language for the concept would appear, noting the subject is “so broad.” Steinberg replied that the committee hoped to gather input from colleagues and the public and that the discussion would not be framed as adversarial despite recent “lawsuit” coverage in news reports referenced by the cochairs.

Why it matters: Committee leadership described utilities as “integral partners” in the state’s energy transition but acknowledged tensions between government and utilities. Raising the concept for hearing will allow stakeholders, including utilities, consumer advocates and municipal officials, to state positions and provide the committee with possible statutory or regulatory language to consider.

The concept was advanced by roll-call vote; leadership said votes would be held open until 4 p.m. for members not present.

Ending: The committee advanced the electric-utilities concept to public hearing where staff and stakeholders are expected to present proposed statutory language, fiscal analyses and viewpoints on utility regulation and ratepayer protections.