HB 5340 — AN ACT CONCERNING RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION.

5340 target for the totalaggregate procurement of energy products by electric distribution companies pursuant to this section shall be set by the authority pursuant to the provisions of section 4 of this act.

(i) The electric distribution companies shall continue to offer any tariffs developed pursuant to this section until December 31, 2035.

The authority (1) shall establish tariffs for the purchase of energy on a cents- per-kilowatt-hour basis for such energy, and (2) may establish a monthly charge, effective upon the expiration of the term of any tariff authorized pursuant to this section.

(NEW) (Effective OctoberJuly 1, 2026) (a) On or before JulyAugust 1, 2027,2026, theauthority shallinitiate aproceeding to establisha successor program to the Non-residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program established pursuant to section 16-244z of the general statutes.statutes, as amended by this act.

In establishing such successor program, the authority shall establish (1) tariffsa procurement plan for eachthe electric distribution company,companies (2)and aresulting ratetariffs for suchselected tariffs,projects (3)pursuant theto periodsubsection (b) of timethis thatsection, will(2) bea usedprice forcap calculatingon thea netcents-per- amountkilowatt-hour ofbasisconcerning energyany produced by a distributed energyenergyresourceselected resourcepursuant andto notthis consumed,section, and (4)(3) tariff terms and conditions consistent with the requirements of thissection.Insuchproceeding,theauthorityshallconsiderthefindingsthis ofsection. the study of the value of distributed energy resources conducted pursuanttosection16a-3oofthegeneralstatutesandtheimpactofClass I renewable energy sourcesonthestate'sgoalsto reduce greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to section 22a-200a of the general statutes.

TheAny authoritysuch tariff shall issuebe for a finalterm ordernot into suchexceed proceedingtwenty onyears. or before April 1, 2028.

(b)The Inrate establishing rates for such tariffs pursuantshall tobe subdivisionestablished (2)by of subsection (a) of this section, the authoritysolicitation shallpursuant considerto thesubsection average(b) HB5340of /this Filesection. No.

385In 5such HB5340proceeding, Filethe authority shall consider the findings of the study of the value of distributed energy resources conducted pursuant to section 16a-3o of the general statutes, the recommendations of the Integrated Resources Plan developed pursuant to section 16a-3a of the general statutes and the Comprehensive Energy Strategy developed pursuant to section 16a-3d of the general statutes, the system efficiency and utilization goal established pursuant to section 16a-3v of the general statutes and the impact of Class I renewable energy sources on the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to section Public Act No.

38526-127 cost6 of installation40 ofHouse aBill distributedNo. energy resource, costs and benefits to program participants and nonparticipating ratepayers, the Comprehensive Energy Strategy adopted pursuant to section 16a-3d of the general statutes and the value or benefits of distributed energy resources to the reliability of the electric grid in the state.

In5340 establishing22a-200a a period of time used for calculating net energy produced and not consumed pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section, the authoritygeneral shallstatutes. assess whether to incorporate time-varying rates or other dynamic pricing methods, and such period of time shall be in (1) real time, (2) one day, (3) any fraction of a day not to exceed one day, or (4) any period of time greater than one day, up to and including one month.

TariffsThe implementedauthority pursuantshall toissue thisa sectionfinal shallorder bein forsuch termsproceeding ofon twentyor years.before December 1, 2027.

(c)(b) The(1) authorityOn shalldevelopand after January 1, 2028, not less than annually, each electric distribution company shall jointly or individually solicit and implementfile anwith applicationthe processPublic Utilities Regulatory Authority for its approval one or more projects selected resulting from any personprocurement whoissued seekspursuant to utilizethis section that are consistent with the tariffs approved by the authoritypursuanttosubsection(a)ofthissection.Foranysuchselected project that is a distributed energy resource that emits no pollutants that (A) is located on a customer's premises, (B) is not more than five megawatts in size, and (C) serves the distribution system of an electric distribution company, each electric distribution company shall offer a tariff pursuant(i) for the purchase of all energy and renewable energy certificates generated at a rate consistent with the procurement plan approved by the authority, and (ii) for the purchase of any energy produced and not consumed in a period of time established by the authority, and any renewable energy certificates generated by such renewable energy resource, on a cents-per-kilowatt-hour basis, subject to thisany section.tariff terms, conditions or other stipulations of the authority, including, but not limited to, the capacity rights of such source.

For(2) anyExcept tarifffor establisheda pursuantdistributed toenergy thisresource section,owned theby authoritya shallstate, establishmunicipal programor eligibilityagricultural criteriacustomer, to be eligible for program participation, a distributed energy resources,resource including,shall butbe notsized limitedto to,not whetherexceed anthe applicantannual hasload (1)at athe lawfulcustomer's rightindividual toelectric controlmeter theor sitea uponset whichof suchelectric resourcemeters, iswhen orsuch shallmeters beare located,combined (2)for securedbilling anypurposes, permitas requireddetermined inby connectionthe withauthority, provided the installationentire orrooftop operationspace of sucha resource,customer's andpremises (3)or securedowned anyby interconnectiona agreementcommercial or approvalindustrial requiredcustomer tomay connectbe suchused resourcefor withpurposes of electricity generation and participation in the solicitation conducted by each electric grid.distribution company pursuant to this section.

(d)For On and after July 1, 2028, pursuant to the program established under this section, each electric distribution company shall offer a tariff, for the purchase of any energystate, producedmunicipal andor notagricultural consumedcustomer, in the period of time established by the authority pursuant to this section, on a cents-per-kilowatt-hour basis, and any renewable energy certificates, generated from a distributed energy resource thatshall emitsbe nosized pollutants that (1) is located on a customer's premises, (2) is less than five megawatts in size, and (3) serves the distribution system of an electric distribution company, subject to any tariff terms, conditions or other stipulations of the authority, including, but not limitedexceed to,Public theAct capacityNo. rights of such source.

To26-127 be7 eligibleof for40 programHouse participation,Bill a HB5340 / File No.

3855340 6the HB5340annual Fileload No.at such customer's individual electric meter or a set of electric meters at the same customer's premises, when such meters are combined for billing purposes, and the load of up to five state, municipal or agricultural beneficial accounts, as defined in section 16- 244u of the general statutes, identified by such state, municipal or agricultural customer, and such state, municipal or agricultural customer may include the load of up to five additional nonstate or municipal beneficial accounts, as defined in section 16-244u of the general statutes, when sizing such energy resource, provided such accounts are critical facilities, as defined in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 16-243y of the general statutes, and are connected to a microgrid.

385(c) distributedNotwithstanding energythe resourceprovisions shallof besubsection designed(d) toof notthis exceedsection, thestate, loadmunicipal atand theagricultural customer'scustomers individualshall electricbe meterexempt orfrom athe setrequirement ofthat electricgeneration meters,projects, whenincluding suchcolocated metersenergy arestorage combinedfacilities forconnected billingwith purposes,such asprojects, determinedbe bylocated theon authority, unless such customer is a state,customer's municipalpremises. or agricultural customer.

(d) For any state,tariff municipalestablished orpursuant agricultural customer, the distributed energy resource shall be designed to notthis exceedsection, the loadauthority atshall suchexamine, customer'sand individualincorporate, electric meter or aset of electric meters at the sameauthority's customer'sdiscretion, premises, when such meters are combined for billing purposes, and the loadfollowing ofinto up to five state, municipal or agricultural beneficial accounts, as defined in section 16-244u of the generalrate statutes,established identifiedfor byany such state,tariff: municipal or agricultural customer, and such state, municipal or agricultural customer may include the load of up to five additional nonstate or municipal beneficial accounts, as defined in section 16-244u of the general statutes, when sizing such energy resource, provided such accounts are critical facilities, as defined in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 16-243y of the general statutes, and are connected to a microgrid.

(e)(1) NotwithstandingIncentives thefor provisionsenergy ofstorage subsectionsystems (d)that provide electric distribution benefits, provided any such incentives take into account incentives received under section 16-243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this section,act, state,or municipalother andratepayer-funded agriculturalprograms customersto shallensure bethe exemptincentives fromreceived by participants in the requirementaggregate thatprovide generationbenefits projects,to includingall colocatedratepayers, (2) incentives concerning the location of a distributed energy storagesource facilitieson connectedthe withelectric distribution system in a manner that improves the reliability of such projects,system, be(3) locatedpreference for the development of distributed energy projects in distressed municipalities, as defined in section 32-9p of the general statutes, and on aproperties customer'sdesignated premises.as brownfields, as defined in section 32-760 of the general statutes, (4) incentives for the Public Act No.

(f)26-127 For8 any tariff established pursuant to this section, the authority shall examine how to incorporate the following into the rate established for anysuchtariff:(1)Incentivesfor energy storagesystemsthatprovide electric distribution benefits, (2) incentives concerning the location of a40 distributedHouse energyBill source on the electric distribution system in a manner that improves the reliability of such system, (3) preference for the development of distributed energy projects in distressed municipalities, as defined in section 32-9p of the general statutes, and on properties designated as brownfields, as defined in section 32-760 of the general statutes, (4) incentives for the development of solar canopy projects, and (5) other energy policy benefits identified in the Comprehensive Energy Strategy prepared pursuant to section 16a-3d of HB5340 / File No.

3855340 7development HB5340of Filesolar No.canopy projects, and (5) other energy policy benefits identified in the Comprehensive Energy Strategy prepared pursuant to section 16a-3d of the general statutes and the Integrated Resources Plan prepared pursuant to section 16a-3a of the general statutes and policies in furtherance of the system efficiency and utilization goal established pursuant to section 16a-3v of the general statutes.

385Any such incentives, preferences or benefits may be adjusted by the generalauthority statutes.if such adjustment would enhance electric grid reliability or benefit ratepayers, as determined by the authority.

(g) The authority shall followset the proceduresprice establishedcap pursuantbased toon subsectionthe (g)electric ofsystem sectionbenefits 16-245areceived by all ratepayers from the distributed energy resource, equitable distribution of participant benefits, the generalComprehensive statutesEnergy forStrategy certificatesadopted issuedpursuant byto section 16a-3d of the Newgeneral Englandstatutes, Powerthe PoolIntegrated GenerationResources InformationPlan Systemdeveloped forpursuant anyto Classsection I16a-3a renewableof energythe sourcegeneral purchasedstatutes byand anthe electricsystem distributionefficiency companyand utilization goal established pursuant to thissection section.16a-3v of the general statutes.

(h)(e) The costsauthority prudentlyshall andfollow reasonablythe incurredprocedures byestablished an electric distribution company pursuant to thissubsection (g) of section shall16-245a beof recoveredthe ongeneral astatutes timelyfor basiscertificates throughissued aby nonbypassablethe fullyNew reconcilingEngland componentPower ofPool electricGeneration ratesInformation System for allany customersClass ofI therenewable energy source purchased by an electric distribution company.company pursuant to this section.

(f) The costs prudently and reasonably incurred by an electric distribution company pursuant to this section shall be recovered on a timely basis through a nonbypassable fully reconciling component of electric rates for all customers of the electric distribution company.

(i)(g) For tariff years commencing on and after January 1, 2028, the totaltarget aggregatefor the totalaggregate procurement of energy products by electric distributionPublic companiesAct pursuantNo. to subsection (d) of this section shall be not more than twenty-five million dollars per year, provided any money not allocated in any given year may roll into the next year's available funds.

The26-127 authority9 shall monitor the effectiveness of any40 procurementsHouse authorizedpursuantBill toNo. subsection(d)of this section,andmay adjust the annual purchase amount established in this subsection or other procurement parameters to maintain program effectiveness.

(j)5340 The electric distribution companies shallpursuant continue to offerthis anysection tariffsshall developedbe set by the authority pursuant to thisthe provisions of section until4 Julyof 1,this 2036.act.

(h) The authorityshallestablishtariffsforelectric thepurchasedistribution ofenergyonacents-per-companies kilowatt-hourshall basiscontinue atto theoffer expiration of any tarifftariffs termsdeveloped authorized pursuant to this section.section until December 31, 2035.

The authority (1) shall establish tariffs for the purchase of energy on a cents- per-kilowatt-hourbasisat thesamerate asthewholesale rate for energy, and (2) may establish a monthly charge, effective upon the expiration of the term of any tariff authorized pursuant to this section.

(NEW) (Effective OctoberJuly 1, 2026) (a) On or before JulyAugust 1, 2027,2026, theauthoritythe shallinitiateauthority aproceedingshall initiate a proceeding to establishaestablish successorthe programCommunity Solar Program, which shall be the successor to the shared clean energy facility program established pursuant to section 16-244z of the general statutes.statutes,asamendedbythisact.Inestablishingsuchsuccessorprogram, the authority shall establish (1) a procurement plan for the electric distribution companies and resulting tariffs for selected projects pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, (2) a price cap on a cents-per- kilowatt-hour basis concerning any shared clean energy facility selected pursuant to this section, and (3) tariff terms and conditions consistent with the requirements of this section.

InAny establishing such successortariff HB5340shall /be Filefor No.a term not to exceed twenty years.

385The 8rate HB5340for Filesuch No.tariffs shall be established by the solicitation pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.

385The program, the authority shall establishissue a tarifffinal includingorder (1) a price cap on a cents-per-kilowatt-hour basis concerning any shared clean energy facility, or (2) rates for eligible customers based on policy goals identified in the Comprehensive Energy Strategy adopted pursuant to section 16a-3d of the general statutes, which may include time-varying rates or other dynamic pricing methods, and such periodproceeding ofon time shall be in (A) real time, (B) one day, (C) any fraction of a day not to exceed one day, or (D)before anyDecember period1, of2027. time greater than one day, up to and including one month.

(b) The authorityCommunity maySolar specifyProgram additionalrequirements tariffshall termsinclude, andbut conditionsneed tonot carrybe outlimited to, the requirementsfollowing: of this section.

The authority shall issue a final order in such proceeding on or before April 1, 2028.

(b) The successor program requirements shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(2)Public TheAct authorityNo. shall determine the billing credit for any subscriber of a shared clean energy facility that may be issued through the electric distribution companies' monthly billing systems and establish consumer protections for subscribers and potential subscribers of such a facility, including, but not limited to, disclosures to be made when selling or reselling a subscription.

26-127 10 of 40 House Bill No.

5340 (2) The authority shall determine the billing credit for any subscriber of a shared clean energy facility that may be issued through the electric distribution companies' monthly billing systems and establish consumer protections for subscribers and potential subscribers of such a facility, including, but not limited to, disclosures to be made when selling or reselling a subscription.

(4) The authority mayshall limit subscribers of a shared clean energy facility to low-income customerscustomers, orand residentialmay customersgive locatedpriority in program participation to any low-income customer who has an HB5340arrearage /with Filesuch No.customer'selectricdistributioncompany.The authority may create incentives or other financing mechanisms to encourage participation by low-income customers.

385(5)The 9authority HB5340shall Filerequire No.that eachelectricdistributioncompany submit a plan for the authority's approval concerning the enrollment of subscribers to any shared clean energy facility in tariffs offered by the electric distribution company.

385 environmental justice community, and may give priority in program participation to any low-income customer who has an arrearage with such customer'selectricdistributioncompany.The authority may create incentives or other financing mechanisms to encourage participation by low-income customers.

(5) The authority may require that, for any shared clean energy facility not restricted to low-income customers or residential customers located in an environmental justice community, not more than forty per cent of the total capacity of each shared clean energy facility is sold to commercial customers.

(6)The authority shall require that eachelectricdistributioncompany submit a plan for the authority's approval concerning the enrollment of subscribers to any shared clean energy facility in tariffs offered by the electric distribution company.

(c) On and after JulyJanuary 1, 2028, pursuantnot toless thethan programannually, established under this section, each electric distribution company shall offerjointly aor tariffindividually solicit and file with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for subscribersits ofapproval aone sharedor cleanmore energyprojects facilityselected resulting from any procurement issued pursuant to this section that are consistent with the programtariffs requirementsapproved adopted by the authority pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

(d) For any tariff established pursuant to this section, the authority shall examine how to incorporate the following into the rate established for anysuchtariff:(1)Incentivesfor energy storagesystemsthatprovide electric distribution benefits, (2) incentives concerning the location of a distributed energy source on the electric distribution system in a manner that improves the reliability of such system,selected (3)Public preferenceAct for the development of distributed energy projects in distressed municipalities, as defined in section 32-9p of the general statutes, and on properties designated as brownfields, as defined in section 32-760 of the general statutes, (4) incentives for the development of solar canopy projects, and (5) other energy policy benefits identified in the Comprehensive Energy Strategy prepared pursuant to section 16a-3d of HB5340 / File No.

38526-127 1011 HB5340of File40 House Bill No.

3855340 project, the generalelectric statutes.distribution company shall offer a tariff for subscribersofa shared cleanenergy facility consistent with theprogram requirements adopted by the authority.

In establishing a price cap for tariffs pursuant to thissection, the authority shall set the price cap based on the electric system benefits received by all ratepayers from the Class I renewable energy source, equitabledistributionofparticipant benefits, theComprehensive Energy Strategy adoptedpursuant to section16a-3d of the general statutes, the Integrated Resources Plan developed pursuant to section 16a-3a of the general statutes and the system efficiency and utilization goal established pursuant to section 16a-3v of the general statutes.

(d) For any tariff established pursuant to this section, the authority shall examine, and incorporate, at the authority's discretion, the following into the rate established for any such tariff:

(1) Incentives for energy storage systems that provide electric distribution benefits, provided any such incentives take into account incentives received under section 16-243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this act, or other ratepayer-funded programs to ensure the incentives received by participants in the aggregate provide benefits to all ratepayers, (2) incentives concerning the location of a distributed energy source on the electric distribution system in a manner that improves the reliability of such system, (3) preference for the development of distributed energy projects in distressed municipalities, as defined in section 32-9p of the general statutes, and on properties designated as brownfields, as defined in section 32-760 of the general statutes, (4) incentives for the development of solar canopy projects, and (5) other energy policy benefits identified in the Integrated Resources Plan developed pursuant to section 16a-3a of the general statutes and the Comprehensive Energy Strategy prepared pursuant to section 16a-3d of the general statutes and to further the system efficiency and utilization goal established pursuant to section 16a-3v of the general statutes.

Any such incentives, preferences or benefits may be adjusted by the authority if such Public Act No.

26-127 12 of 40 House Bill No.

5340 adjustment would enhance electric grid reliability or benefit ratepayers, as determined by the authority.

(f)(f)FortariffyearscommencingonandafterJanuary1,2028,thetarget Forfor tariff years commencing on and after January 1, 2028, the total aggregate procurement of energy products by electric distribution companies pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall be notset moreby thanthe sixteenauthority millionpursuant dollarsto perthe year,provisions providedof anysection money4 notof allocatedthis inact. any given year may roll into the next year's available funds.

(g) The authorityelectric shalldistribution monitorcompanies theshall effectivenesscontinue ofto offer any procurementstariffs authorizeddeveloped pursuant to subsection (c) of this section anduntil mayDecember adjust31, the2035. annual purchase amount established in this subsection or other procurement parameters to maintain program effectiveness.

(g) The electricauthorityshallestablishtariffsfor distributionthepurchase companiesofenergyonacents-per- shallkilowatt-hour continuebasis toat offerthe anysame tariffsrate developedas pursuantthe towholesale thisrate sectionfor untilenergy Julyat 1,the 2036.expiration of any tariff terms authorized pursuant to this section.

The authorityshallestablishtariffsforauthority thepurchasemay ofenergyonacents-per-allow kilowatt-hoursubscriptions basisto atcontinue beyond the expiration of any tariff termsterm authorizedestablished pursuantby tothe thisauthority. section.

Section(NEW) 7(Effective July 1, 2026) (a) For tariff years commencing on and after January 1, 2028, the target for the total aggregate procurementofenergyproductsbyelectricdistributioncompaniesshall be (1) one hundred eighty megawatts per year for programs established pursuant to sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of publicthis actact, 24-38and is(2) repealedan aggregated total of eighty-five million dollars per year for programs established pursuant to sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of this act and section 16-243ee of the followinggeneral isstatutes, substitutedas inamended lieuby thereofthis (Effectiveact, fromaccounting passage):for the compensation for energy, renewable energy certificates, energy Public Act No.

(a)26-127 There13 is established a task force to examine and make recommendations concerning policy, regulations and legislation to improve disclosure requirements and consumer protection for consumers who purchase, lease or enter into power purchase agreementsfor solar photovoltaicsystems.Such study shallinclude,but need not be limited to, an examination of (1)40 licensingHouse requirementsBill for contractors who engage in solar electricity work, as defined in section HB5340 / File No.

3855340 11products HB5340or Fileany No.combination thereof received by a participant.

385If 20-330 of the generaltarget statutes,goals (2)specified whetherin specialsubdivisions protections(1) are necessary for consumers who are low-income or senior citizens, and (3)(2) requirementsof concerningthis auditssubsection orcannot otherbe methodsreconciled ofin ensuringany suchgiven contractorsyear, or persons engaged in the salebudgetary orgoal leasespecified ofin suchsaid systemssubdivision comply(2) withshall applicablebe stategiven lawsprecedence andby regulations.the authority.

(b) The taskauthority forceshall, shallwithin consistthe budgetary and megawatt targets established pursuant to this subsection, adopt an allocation methodology that promotes the goal of reaching five hundred eighty megawatts of energy storage deployed in the followingstate members:pursuant to the provisions of section 16- 243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this act, not later than December 31, 2031.

(1)Notwithstanding Thetheprovisionsofthissection,if Commissionerthe ofauthority Energydetermines andincentives Environmentalassociated Protection,with ora solar photovoltaic system used in combination with an energy storage system provides benefits to all ratepayers in the commissioner'sstate, designee;as determined by a ratepayer impact measurement test developed by the authority, any such solar photovoltaic system used in combination with an energy storage system, where both such systems are located on a residential customer's premises, shall not be counted by the authority toward the megawatt procurement or budgetary targets set forth in this subsection.

(2)(b)Onor Thebefore chairpersonJanuary 1,2028,theauthorityshallestablishaninitial allocation of megawatts procured and budget expenditure on an annual basis for the Publicprograms Utilitiesestablished Regulatorypursuant Authority,to orsection 16-243ee of the chairperson'sgeneral designee;statutes, as amended by this act, and sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of this act in a manner that achieves the greatest benefits for all ratepayers, furthers the system efficiency and utilization goal established pursuant to section 16a-3v of the general statutes and provides for an equitable distribution, as determined by the authority, of benefits to program participants.

(3) The Consumerauthority Counsel,may oradjust the [Consumerallocation Counsel's]of counsel'sincentives, designee;as needed, to achieve the goals of this section.

(4)The(c) CommissionerIf ofConsumerthe Protection,orthecommissioner'sactual designee;budget expenditure for the programs established pursuant to section 16-243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this act, and sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of this act deviates from the target set Public Act No.

(5)26-127 The14 president of the40 ConnecticutHouse GreenBill Bank,No. or the president's designee;

(6)5340 Twoforth appointedin bysubsection the(a) Governor,of whothis shallsection, bethe membersauthority ofmay, anin associationthe thatauthority's representsdiscretion, retailersrevise ofthe solarbudget photovoltaictarget systemsfor in the statefollowing oryear retailersby ofnot solarmore photovoltaicthan systemsfive inper thecent state;of such target.

(7)(d) TwoOn appointedor bybefore January 1, 2029, and annually thereafter through January 1, 2035, the speakerauthority ofshall review the Houseperformance of Representatives,each oneprogramestablishedpursuant to sections1to 3,inclusive, ofthisact and section 16-243ee of whomthe shallgeneral havestatutes, experienceas representingamended seniorby citizensthis inact, mattersand relateddetermine the annual allocation of such target procurements applicable to consumereach protectionsuch orprogram utilities;in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.

(8)The Twoauthority appointedshall byadopt thea presidentnotice proprocedure temporeconcerning ofany theadjustments Senate,in oneallocations ofor whomincentives shallunder havesuch experienceprograms representingthat consumeris groups,designed especiallyto minimize potential disruption in underservedprogram communities;enrollment.

(9)(e) OneOn appointedand after January 1, 2028, the authority shall direct the electric distribution companies to report to the authority, in a form, frequency and manner prescribed by the majorityauthority, leaderany ofprocurement during the Housereporting ofperiod Representatives;established by the authority.

(10)(f) OneOn appointedand byafter January 1, 2028, not less than quarterly, for the majoritypurpose leaderof assessing progress towardtheannual procurement target set forth in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section, the Senate;authority shall publish on the authority's Internet web site the total amount of megawatts procured pursuant to each program established pursuant to sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of this act in the previous quarter.

HB5340(g) /The Fileauthority No.shall develop and implement a methodology for monitoring the utilization and effectiveness of any procurements authorized pursuant to sections 1 to 3, inclusive, of this act and section 16-243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this act.

385(h) 12On HB5340or Filebefore January 1, 2029, and annually thereafter until January 1, 2036, the authority shall submit a report, in accordance with Public Act No.

38526-127 (11)15 Two appointed by the minority leader of the40 House ofBill Representatives;No.

and5340 (12)the Twoprovisions appointedof bysection 11-4a of the minoritygeneral leaderstatutes, concerning the authority's analysis of program effectiveness and any recommendations to the Senate.joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy.

(c)Such Allreport initial appointments to the task force shall beinclude, madebut need not later thanthirty daysafter theeffective date ofthis section.Any vacancy shall be filledlimited byto, thean appointinganalysis authority.of:

(d)(1) The speakernumber of themegawatts Houseand ofindividual Representativesprojects andparticipating thein presidenteach proprogram temporeunder of the Senatebudget shalltarget selectestablished thein chairpersonsubsection (a) of thethis tasksection forcewithin fromeach amongterritory the members of theeach taskelectric force.distribution company;

Such(2) chairpersonthe shalltotal scheduleannual thebudget firstspend, meetingaccounting offor the taskentire force,incentive whichfor shallenergy, berenewable heldenergy notcertificates, laterenergy thanproducts sixtyor daysany aftercombination thereof received by the effectiveparticipant, dateincluding the credit received by shared clean energy facility associated subscribers pursuant to section 3 of this section.act;

(e)(3) The administrative staff of the jointratepayer standingimpact committee of thethese Generalprograms Assemblyon havingnonparticipants; cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology shall serve as administrative staff of the task force.

(f)(4) Notwhether laterthe thanprograms [Januaryauthorized 1,pursuant 2025]to Februarysections 1,1 2027,to the3, taskinclusive, forceof shallthis submitact aand reportsection on16-243ee itsof findingsthe andgeneral recommendationsstatutes, toas theamended jointby standingthis committeesact, of(A) remained within the Generalbudget Assemblytarget havingestablished cognizancein subsection (a) of mattersthis relatingsection, toand (B) advanced the energy andstorage technologymegawatt anddeployment generalgoal law,established in accordancesaid withsubsection the(a), provisionsand, ofif sectionnot, 11-4aany ofrecommended thelegislative generalchanges statutes.to maintain cost certainty for such programs;

Theand task(5) forcewhether shalland terminatehow on the dateprojects thatparticipating itin submitseach suchprogram reportfurther orthe [Januarysystem 1,efficiency 2025]andutilizationgoalestablishedpursuant Februaryto 1,section16a-3v 2027,ofthegeneral whicheverstatutes. is later.

(NEW)Subsection (Effective(c) Octoberof 1,section 2026)16-244z (a) As used in this section, "portable solar generation device" means a solar photovoltaic generation device that (1) is not permanently affixed to a structure, (2) has a maximum power output of notthe more2026 thansupplement one thousand two hundred watts, (3) is designed to bethe connectedgeneral tostatutes a building's electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty volt alternating current outlet located behind a customer's electric meter, (4) is intendedrepealed primarilyand to offset part of the customer'sfollowing electricity consumption, (5) meets the requirements of the State Building Code, (6) is certifiedsubstituted byin Underwriterslieu Laboratoriesthereof or(Effective anJuly equivalent1, nationally2026): recognized HB5340 / File No.

385(c) 13(1) HB5340(A) FileExcept as provided in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, for procurement and tariff years commencing on and after January 1, 2025, the total megawatts available to customers eligible under subparagraph(A)ofsubdivision(2)of subsection(a)ofthis sectionshall not exceed one hundred megawatts per year and the total megawatts available to customers eligible under subparagraph (B) of subdivision Public Act No.

38526-127 testing16 laboratory,of and40 (7)House includesBill aNo. device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building's electrical system during a power outage.

(b)5340 A(2) portableof solarsubsection generation(a) device that meets the requirements of this section shall be exempt from any requirement concerning interconnection agreements imposed by any regulation adopted by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority or any decision of the authority, provided not moreexceed thanfifty onemegawatts suchper deviceyear. may be used behind a customer's electric meter.

(c)The Noauthority electric distribution company shall (1)monitor require a customer using a portable solar generation device to obtain the company'scompetitiveness approvalof before installing or using the system, pay any feeprocurements orauthorized chargepursuant related to thesubsection system(a) orof installthis anysection additionaland controlsmay oradjust equipment beyond what is integrated into the system,annual providedpurchase notamount moreestablished thanin onethis suchsubsection device may be used behind a customer's electric meter, or (2)other beprocurement liableparameters forto anymaintain damagecompetitiveness. or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.

Any megawatts not allocated in any given year shall roll into the next year's available megawatts.

The obligation to purchase energy and renewable energy certificates shall be apportioned as determined by the authority.

(B) For procurement and tariff years commencing on and after January 1, 2025, the authority may exceed the limits on total available megawatts described in subparagraph (A) of this subdivision for any procurement and tariff program authorized pursuant to subsection (a) of this section in any such year, if, during the period commencing on January first and ending on the date that the last project is selected pursuant to the usual procurement process for such program, as determined by the authority, the aggregate dollar amount of procurements of energy and renewable energy credits over the tariff term for all selected projects does not exceed the aggregate dollar amount of procurements of energy and renewable energy credits over the tariff term for all projects selected in such program during the calendar year 2024.

The authority shall determine the manner of exceeding such limits.

(C)[(i)]The electricdistributioncompaniesshallcontinue tooffer any tariffs developed pursuant to [subparagraph (B) of] subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section [for six years, inclusive of previous years of such procurement and tariff program.

The sixth and final year of such procurement and tariff program shall be the calendar year 2027] until December 31, 2028, or until the authority has issued an order to the electric distribution companies to offer tariffs pursuant to a successor program approved by the authority, whichever is sooner.

[(ii) The electric distribution companies shall continue to offer any Public Act No.

26-127 17 of 40 House Bill No.

5340 tariffs developed pursuant to subparagraph (C) of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section for eight years, inclusive of previous years of such procurement and tariff program.

The eighth and final year of such procurement and tariff program shall be the calendar year 2027.] (D) The electric distribution companies shall offer any tariffs developed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section [for six years] until December 31, 2028, or until the authority has issued an order to the electric distribution companies to offer tariffs pursuant to a successor program approved by the authority, whichever is sooner.

At the end of the tariff term pursuant to subparagraph (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section, residential customers that elected the option pursuant to said subparagraph shall be credited all cents-per- kilowatt-hour charges pursuant to the tariff rate for such customer for energy produced by the Class I renewable energy source against any energy that is consumed in real time by such residential customer.

(E) The authority (i) shall establish tariffs for the purchase of energy on a cents-per-kilowatt-hour basis, and (ii) may establish a monthly charge, effective at the expiration of the term of any tariff [terms] authorized pursuant to this section.

(2) The department, in consultation with the authority, shall assess the tariff offerings pursuant to this section and determine if such offerings are competitive compared to the cost of the technologies and shall report, in accordance with section 11-4a, the results of such determination to the General Assembly not later than January 15, 2027.

(3) For any tariff established pursuant to this section, the authority shall examine how to incorporate the following energy system benefits into the rate established for any such tariff:

(A) Energy storage systems that provide electric distribution benefits, (B) location of a facility on the distribution system, (C) time-of-use rates or other dynamic pricing, and (D)otherenergypolicybenefitsidentifiedintheComprehensiveEnergy Public Act No.

26-127 18 of 40 House Bill No.

5340 Strategy prepared pursuant to section 16a-3d.

(NEW)Subsection (Effective(a) Octoberof 1,section 2026)16-243ee (a)of Asthe used2026 supplement to the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in thislieu section:thereof (Effective July 1, 2026):

(1)(a) "AgrivoltaicsOn project"or meansbefore aJanuary solar1, photovoltaic2022, systemthe withPublic Utilities Regulatory Authority shall initiate a nameplateproceeding capacityto exceedingdevelop oneand megawattimplement thatone isor locatedmore onprograms, landand inassociated actualfunding usemechanisms, for farmingelectric orenergy agriculturalstorage operations;resources connected to the electric distribution system.

andThe (2)authority "Forestshall land"establish has(1) one or more programs for the sameresidential meaningclassofelectriccustomers,and(2)oneor asmore providedprogramsfor incommercial sectionand 12-107bindustrial classes of theelectric generalcustomers. statutes.

(b)The Notauthority latershall thansolicit Julyinput 1,from 2027, the CommissionerDepartment of Energy and Environmental ProtectionProtection, shallthe developConnecticut andGreen implementBank, athe programelectric todistribution supportcompanies and the developmentOffice of agrivoltaicsConsumer projectsCounsel in thedeveloping state.such programs.

TheAny commissionerprogram shallestablished prescribeby athe formauthority andpursuant mannerto ofthis applicationsection forshall anyterminate personon seekingDecember to31, participate2035. in the program.

Such program shall require, as conditions of approval, that:

(1) The applicant demonstrate that such project is to be located on land that has not been cleared or otherwise converted from forest land HB5340 / File No.

385 14 HB5340 File No.

385 to another use in the five years preceding the application, provided this provision may be waived if the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture, determines that such clearing or conversion and the development of an agrivoltaics project will have no adverse environmental impact on the community in which such project is to be located, and that such project will increase the reliability of the electric grid in such community;

(2) The applicant provide a plan for stormwater management at the site where such project is proposed to be located;

(3) The applicant submit a plan detailing the proposed agricultural use for the land upon which the proposed agrivoltaics project is proposed to be located;

(4) The applicant provide, at the commissioner's request, a soil analysis concerning the site at which such project is to be located;

(5) The commissioner determine that, based on any such soil analysis or the analysis of the agricultural plan, the agrivoltaics project will be viable for boththegenerationofenergy andproductive agriculturaluse;

and (6) The commissioner determine that the installation of the solar photovoltaic components used in the agrivoltaics project will not result in the (A) unnecessary removal of topsoil from the site, (B) excessive excavation in connection with the installation of foundations for solar photovoltaic panel support structures or trenches for electrical wiring, (C) disturbance of any wetlands or watercourse, as defined in chapter 440 of the general statutes, or (D) unnecessary removal of vegetation from the site.

(c)OnorbeforeMarch1,2027,thecommissionershalldevelopatariff proposal including rates for energy generated by an agrivoltaics project and any other terms or conditions the commissioner deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

The proposed tariff shall provide that the electric HB5340 / File No.

385 15 HB5340 File No.

385 distribution companies shall be entitled to recover all reasonable costs and expenses prudently incurred for the implementation and operation of the program through a reconciling component of electric rates, as determined by the authority.

The authority shall approve or modify such tariff proposal submitted by the commissioner on or before May 1, 2027.

(d) On or before July 1, 2027, the electric distribution companies shall submit to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for review and approval:

(1) Any tariffs proposed pursuant to this section applicable to an agrivoltaics project;

and (2) any proposal to recover costs associated with administering the implementation and operation of the program pursuant to this section.

(e) The owner or operator of any agrivoltaics project approved pursuant to this section shall provide an annual report to the commissioner, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, detailing agricultural yields, livestock grazing or other agricultural activities in connection with such project.

(f) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 of the general statutes, which establish proceduresandguidelinesnecessarytoimplementtheprovisionsofthis section.

(Effective OctoberJuly 1, 2026) (a) AsThe usedConnecticut Green Bank shall, within available resources, establish and administer a pilot incentive program for residential solar customers who have participated in any programestablishedpursuant to theprovisionsofsection16-245ffofthe general statutes or section 16-244z of the general statutes, as amended by this section:act, for the purpose of promoting the deployment of energy storage systems, as defined in section 16-1 of the general statutes, in residential use.

(1)The "Electrictotal distributionexpenditures company"under has the samepilot meaningincentive asprogram providedestablished inpursuant to this section 16-1shall ofnot theexceed generaltwo statutes;million dollars.

(2)The "Environmentalprogram justiceshall community"be hasdesigned to (1) increase the sameunderstanding meaningof aselectric providedsystem benefits received by all ratepayers in subsectionthe (a)state from such programs, (2) offset costs to ratepayers associated with the provision of credits for any electricity generated from a Class I renewable energy source pursuant to section 22a-20a16-243h of the general statutes;statutes by encouraging the storage of such electricity behind a Public Act No.

and26-127 (3)19 "Minority-owned business" has the same meaning as provided in section 32-353 of the40 generalHouse statutes.Bill No.

(b)5340 Thecustomer's Commissionermeter for use by such customer, (3) provide for the installation of Energysuch andenergy Environmentalstorage Protectionsystems shall,at withinno availablecost appropriations,to a program participant, and (4) give preference in consultationprogram withparticipation theto electricany HB5340household /located Filein No.an environmental justice community, as defined in section 22a-20 of the general statutes.

385The 16Connecticut HB5340Green FileBank No.may enter into an agreement with any contractor licensed in the state to install such energy storage systems pursuant to program guidelines adopted by the Connecticut Green Bank.

385(b) distributionOn companies,or establishbefore February 1, 2028, the Connecticut Green Bank shall submit a two-yearreport, pilotinaccordance programwiththe provisionsofsection11-4aof the general statutes, to supportthe joint standing committees of the installationGeneral Assembly having cognizance of residentialmatters solarrelating photovoltaicto systemsenergy forand residentsthe environment, analyzing the impact of environmentalthe justiceprogram communities.and recommending whether to establish a permanent program in the state and, if so, any legislation necessary to implement such program.

The pilot program shallshallterminateonFebruary1,2028,oruponthesubmissionofthereport berequired designedpursuant to providethis forsubsection, thewhichever installationis ofsooner. such systems at low cost, or no cost,to one hundred households located in any environmental justice community.

The commissioner may enter into an agreement with any contractor licensed in the state pursuant to chapter 393 of the general statutes to install such systems pursuant to the program, and may give priority in the selection of any such contractor to a contractor that is a minority- owned business.

(c) On or before December 1, 2028, the commissioner shall file a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, with the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and the environment (1)analyzingtheimpactoftheprogram,and(2)recommendingwhether a permanent program should be established in this state and, if so, any necessary legislation.

Subsection(Effective (m)October 1, 2026) (a) Upon the termination of the pilot program set forth in section 16-245o7 of this act, a working group shall be convened to examine the generalresults statutesof isthe repealedpilot andthefollowingprogram, issubstitutedincluding inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctoberan 1,analysis 2026):of the benefits of the pilot program to all ratepayers in the state, and make recommendations concerning a successor program to the energy storage program established pursuant to section 16-243ee of the general statutes, as amended by this act.

(m) On and after January 1, 2024, customers of electric distribution companies who (1) are hardship cases for purposes of subdivision (3) of subsection (b) ofThe sectionworking 16-262c,group (2)shall haveconsist arrearages deducted from such customers' bills by the electric distribution company pursuant to subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of section 16-262c, (3) receive other financial assistance from an electric distribution company, or (4) are otherwise protected by law from shutoff of electricity services, may enroll with an electric supplier, provided [all] any contract between a customer [contracts with] described in subdivisions (1) to (4), inclusive, of this subsection and an electric [suppliers] supplier, for rates effective on and after January 1, 2024, shall be at or below the standardfollowing servicemembers: rate for the duration of [the contracts] any such contract.

Any(1) billingThe systemchairpersons costsof incurredthe byjoint anstanding electriccommittee distributionof companythe toGeneral complyAssembly HB5340having /cognizance Fileof No.matters relating to energy and technology;

385(2) 17The HB5340Commissioner Fileof Energy and Environmental Protection, or Public Act No.

38526-127 with20 thisof section40 shallHouse beBill recoverableNo. from all licensed electric suppliers.

The5340 authority may initiate a docket to order all hardship customer contracts with electric suppliers, entered into on and after a determined date, to comply with appropriate limitations the authoritycommissioner's deemsdesignee; necessary.

If(3) theThe authorityConsumer issuesCounsel, suchor an order, it shall reopen such docket not less than every two years for the purposeConsumer ofCounsel's determiningdesignee; whether such order remains necessary.

This(4) actThe shallchairperson takeof effectthe asPublic followsUtilities andRegulatory shallAuthority, amendor the followingchairperson's sections:designee;

Section(5) 1The Octoberchief 1,executive 2026officer Newof sectionthe Sec.Connecticut Green Bank, or the chief executive officer's designee;

2and October(6) 1,Any 2026individuals Newthe sectionchairpersons Sec.deem relevant and necessary to carry out the duties of the working group.

3(c) OctoberThe 1,chairpersons 2026of Newthe sectionworking Sec.group shall be the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology.

4Such fromchairpersons passageshall PAschedule 24-38,the Sec.first meeting of the working group, which shall be held not later than sixty days after the termination of the pilot program established pursuant to section 7 of this act.

7(d) Sec.The administrative staff of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology shall serve as the administrative staff of the working group.

5(e) OctoberNot 1,later 2026than Newone year after the working group is convened, the working group shall submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology, in accordance with the provisions of section Sec.11-4a of the general statutes.

6The Octoberworking 1,group 2026shall Newterminate sectionon Sec.the date that it submits such report or one year after the working group is convened, whichever is later.

7 October 1, 2026 New section Sec.

89. October 1, 2026 16-245o(m) ET Joint Favorable HB5340 / File No.

385(NEW) 18(Effective HB5340October File1, 2026) (a) As used in this section, "portable solar generation device" means a solar photovoltaic Public Act No.

38526-127 The21 followingof Fiscal40 ImpactHouse Statement and Bill AnalysisNo. are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.

In5340 general,generation fiscaldevice impactsthat are(1) basedis uponnot permanently affixed to a varietystructure, (2) has a maximum power output of informationalnot sources,more includingthan one thousand two hundred watts, (3) is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard one hundred twenty volt alternating current outlet located behind a customer's electric meter, (4) is intended primarily to offset part of the analyst’scustomer's professionalelectricity knowledge.consumption, (5) meets the requirements of the State Building Code, (6) meets the requirements of the National Electric Code (NFPA-70) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE 1547), (7) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory, andmeetstherequirementsset forthinUnderwriters Laboratories Standard Number 1741, as amended from time to time, (8) includes a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building's electrical system during a power outage, and (9) includes a warning for consumers stating that any generation from such unit that exceeds the consumption of electricity at the customer's location will result in such excess generation being charged to the customer as usage unless such customer utilizes an electric meter that allows for net metering.

Whenever(b) applicable,A agencyportable datasolar isgeneration consulteddevice asthat partmeets the requirements of this section shall be exempt from any requirement concerning interconnection agreements imposed by any regulation adopted by the analysis,Public howeverUtilities finalRegulatory productsAuthority door any decision of the authority, provided not necessarilymore reflectthan anone assessmentsuch fromdevice anymay specificbe department.used behind a customer's electric meter.

OFANothing Fiscalin Notethis section shall be construed to exempt any portable solar generation device from any applicable provision of the State Impact:Building Code, the Fire Safety Code, the State Fire Prevention Code or any provision of any local ordinance or regulation applicable to such devices.

None(c) MunicipalNo Impact:electric distribution company shall (1) require a customer using a portable solar generation device to obtain the company's Public Act No.

None26-127 Explanation22 The bill establishes a variety of successor40 renewableHouse energyBill programs,No. which do not have a fiscal impact to the state.

Rate5340 Payerapproval Impactbefore Itinstalling isor anticipatedusing that the successorsystem, programspay willany ultimatelyfee reduceor charge related to the overallsystem, rateexcept impactany drivencharges bythe currentsystem programs,incurs whichthrough couldits reduceuse, ratesor install any additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated intothesystem,providednot more thanonesuchdevicemay be used behind a customer's electric meter, or (2) be liable for customers.any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.

TheSec. level of savings is indeterminate and will depend on the final implementation and structure of the successor programs.

The10. Out Years State Impact:

None(NEW) Municipal(Effective Impact:October 1, 2026) The State Building Inspector and the Codes and Standards Committee shall, jointly, with the approval of the Commissioner of Administrative Services, in accordancewiththeprovisionsofsection29-252bofthegeneralstatutes, consider in the amendments to the State Building Code next adopted after the effective date of this section, and the State Fire Marshal and the Codes and Standards Committee shall, in accordance with section 29- 292a ofthegeneralstatutes,consider intheamendmentsto theState Fire Safety Code next adopted after the effective date of this section, provisions that ensure the safe installation of portable solar generation devices, as defined in subsection (a) of section 9 of this act.

NoneSec. HB5340 / File No.

38511. 19 HB5340 File No.

385(NEW)(Effective OLROctober1,2026)The BillCommissioner AnalysisofEnergy HBand 5340Environmental ANProtection ACTshall, CONCERNINGin RENEWABLEconsultation POWERwith GENERATION.the Commissioner of Agriculture, conduct a study of the feasibility of implementing an incentive programfor agrivoltaicsprojectsin thestate.

SUMMARYSuch Thisstudy billshall createsconsider newthe andpotential successorbenefits renewableand energyconsequences programs,of includinglocating fora residentialsolar andphotovoltaic non-residential customers, shared clean energy facilities,generating andsystem agrivoltaics,on andland makesthat otheris changesalso mostlyused infor lawsagricultural relatedpurposes. to renewable energy, as described in the section-by-section analysis below.

EFFECTIVESuch DATE:study shall include, but need not be limited to, recommendations concerning:

October(1) 1,Nameplate 2026,capacity exceptrestrictions for solar photovoltaic energy generating systems, (2) a requirement that program participation be limited to land in productive agricultural use prior to program participation, (3) the provisionconfiguration onof such systems to preserve agricultural operations, (4) the allowable percentage of a parcel that may be utilized for solar consumerphotovoltaic protectionequipment studyin islieu effectiveof uponan passage.agricultural use, (5) the preservation of core Public Act No.

§26-127 123 —of RESIDENTIAL40 RENEWABLEHouse ENERGYBill PROGRAMNo. Requires PURA to establish a successor program to replace the RRES program The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to initiate a proceeding by July 1, 2027, to establish a successor program to theResidentialRenewableEnergySolutions(RRES)program.The RRES program governs how residential utility customers are compensated for the energy their renewable energy systems (for example, solar panels) produce.

The5340 programforest beganland, as defined in 2022section and,16a-3k byof law,the continuesgeneral statutes, (6) a permitting process for sixsuch years.projects, and (7) incentives for such projects.

InNot thelater proceedingthan toJanuary establish1, this2027, successorthe program,commissioner PURAshall mustsubmit considera findingsreport, frominaccordancewiththeprovisionsofsection11-4aofthegeneralstatutes, athat pastcontains studysuch donerecommendations byto the Departmentjoint standing committee of Energythe andGeneral EnvironmentalAssembly Protectionhaving (DEEP)cognizance andof PURAmatters onrelating theto valueenergy ofand distributedtechnology energyand resourcesthe (DER).environment.

BySec. law and under the bill, these generally include customer-side and grid-side Class I resources, like wind or solar, and Class III resources (certain combined heat and power systems).

Existing12. law required PURA to consider these findings when developing RRES and other renewable energy programs.

The(NEW) bill(Effective requiresOctober PURA1, to2026) also(a) considerAs theused findings in thethis successorsection: program HB5340 / File No.

385(1) 20"Major HB5340incident" Filemeans No.any event at a facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, that (A) requires an emergency shutoff of electricity flowing to or from such facility due to a hazardous condition at such facility, (B) requires any local emergency services personnel to respond to the site of such facility, or (C) causes injury requiring hospitalization to any person;

385and proceeding,(2) as"Minor wellincident" asmeans howany DERsunanticipated impactor unplanned shutdown of a facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the state’sgeneral greenhousestatutes, gasas emissionsamended reductionsby goals.this act, that does not require any local emergency services personnel to respond to the site of such facility.

It"Minor mustincident" issuedoes anot finalinclude orderthe shutdown of such facility in theconnection proceedingwith bya Aprilpreventative 1,safety 2028.measure or scheduled or routine maintenance.

Under(b) theExcept bill,as “residentialprovided customers”in aresubsection customers(c) of this section, any person who livereceives a certificate fromthe Connecticut Siting Council to operate a facility described in a:subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, shall report any major incident or minor incident at such facility in a form and manner prescribed by the council.

1.Any major incident shall be reported not later than five days after the occurrence of such incident, and any minor incident shall be reported not later than thirty days after the occurrence Public Act No.

single-family26-127 home;24 of 40 House Bill No.

2.5340 of such incident.

two-(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to four-unitany multifamilyfacility dwelling;described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, if such facility is a generating source permitted under Title V of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 or section 22a-174-33a or 22a-174-33b of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies.

or(d) 3.Commencing on July 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Connecticut Siting Council shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, detailing any reports the council has received pursuant to this section in the preceding year to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology.

multifamilySec. dwelling with at least five units (a) where at least 60% of the units are occupied by residents who have income up to 60% of the area median income (AMI) for the municipality where the housing is located, as determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or (b) that PURA determines is affordable housing based on alternative metrics it sets.

Tariffs13. and Rates Under the program, PURA must establish tariffs for each electric distribution company (EDC) (Eversource and United Illuminating) and rates for these tariffs.

InSection doing16-50l so,of itthe must2026 consider:supplement to the general statutes is amended by adding subsections (i) and (j) as follows (Effective October 1, 2026):

1.(NEW) (i) In addition to the requirements of this section, the council may, in the council's discretion, require that, as a condition of approval for any facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i,asamendedbythisact,theapplicantprovideemergencyservices training specific to the proposed facility, at the applicant's sole expense, to firefighters or other emergency services personnel in any municipality in which such facility shall be located.

aIf DER’sthe averagecouncil installationimposessucha cost,conditionpursuant 2.to thissubsection,theapplicant shall provide notice of the availability of such training to the chief executive officer and fire marshal of any municipality in which such facility shall be located, as ordered by the council.

costsThe andchief benefitsexecutive officer or fire marshal shall respond in writing to programsuch participantsnotice not later than sixty days after the receipt of such notice and nonparticipatingindicate ratepayers,whether 3.firefighters or other emergency services personnel in the municipality request such training.

thePublic ComprehensiveAct EnergyNo. Strategy (CES), and 4.

the26-127 value25 of DERs’40 benefitsHouse forBill electricNo. grid reliability in the state.

PURA5340 mustIf alsosuch considertraining howis toso incorporaterequested, the followingapplicant intowill ratesarrange set for anysuch tarifftraining underto thebe residentialprovided successornot program:later than sixty days after such request.

1.(NEW) (j) (1) For the purposes of this subsection, "emergency contact person" means a person, including an entity or an organization, designated by an applicant or certificate holder pursuant to this section, who has authority to act on behalf of the applicant or certificate holder in the event of an emergency at a facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i, as amended by this act.

energyAs storagea incentivescondition thatof approval under this section, an applicant shall (A) designate an emergency contact person for such facility, (B) provide electricthe distributioncontact benefits,information 2.for such emergency contact person to the council and both the chief executive officer and the local fire official of any municipality in which such facility is located, and (C) post a sign at each entrance to such facility displaying the contact information for such emergency contact person.

incentives(2) concerningNot later than January 1, 2027, any certificate holder that owns or operates a distributedfacility energydescribed source’sin locationsubdivision on(3) HB5340of /subsection File(a) No.of section 16-50i, as amended by this act, shall (A) designate an emergency contact person, (B) provide the contact information for such emergency contact person, in writing, to the council and both the chief executive officer and the local fire official of any municipality in which such facility is located, and (C) post a sign at each entrance to the facility displaying the contact information for such emergency contact person.

385(3) 21If HB5340the Fileperson, entity or organization designated as the emergency contact person pursuant to this subsection has changed, or the contact information for such emergency contact person has changed, the applicant or certificate holder shall, not later than thirty days after such change, (A) provide written notice of such change to the council and both the chief executive officer and the local fire official of any municipality in which such facility is located, and (B) update each sign at the facility displaying the contact information for the emergency Public Act No.

38526-127 the26 electricof distribution40 systemHouse inBill aNo. way that improves system reliability, and 3.

other5340 energycontact policyperson. benefits identified in the CES.

Netting(4) PeriodAny PURAperson mustdesignated establishas thean timeemergency periodcontact thatperson willpursuant to this subsection shall be usedavailable to calculaterespond, whether at the netfacility, amountby oftelephonic energymeans producedor by other electronic equipment, as defined in section 1-200 of the DERgeneral andstatutes, to any emergency at such facility not consumed,later whichthan mustone behour (1)after inthe realoccurrence time;of such emergency.

(2)If onean day;emergency contact person fails to timely respond in the event of an emergency at such facility, any firefighter or other emergency services personnel who attempted to contact the emergency contact person shall file a written report with the council detailing such lack of response.

(3)Sec. in any fraction of a day;

or14. (4) in any period of time greater than one day, up to and including one month.

In(NEW) doing(Effective so,October PURA1, must2026) also(a) assessNot whetherlater tothan incorporateNovember time-varying1, rates2026, orthe otherchairperson dynamicof pricing.the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, in consultation with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Siting Council, shall convene a working group within the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for the purpose of reviewing and assessing any processes concerning the resumption of electric generation services after a shutoff of such services at any facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, that exceeds five days.

EligibleSuch DERsreview Underand theassessment bill,shall EDCsconsider must offer tariffs under the program, starting July 1, 2028, to purchase energy products generated by a DER that (1) emitsany noexisting pollutants,statutory, (2)regulatory isor oncontractual aprocesses customer’sgoverning premises,the andresumptionof (3)electric hasgeneration aservices nameplatefollowing capacityan ofextended upshutoff; to 25 kilowatts.

DERs(2) must be designed not to exceed the customer’sadequacy loadof atcoordination theiramong individual electric meter,generation orfacility forowners multifamilyor dwellings,operators, theelectric loaddistribution ofcompanies, theregional premises,transmission asorganizations determined by the EDC and understate anyagencies; rules PURA sets.

For(3) multifamilypotential dwellingsrisks with at least five units, DERs are only eligible to participatepublic insafety theor programelectric ifgrid eachreliability dwellingassociated unitwith receivesextended anshutoffs appropriate share of the benefits and nosubsequent moreresumption than an appropriate share of benefitsservice; are used to offset any common area usage.

Theand bill(4) requiresany PURArecommendations tofor initiatestatutory, anregulatory uncontestedor proceedingprocedural onchanges distributingto DERimprove benefitstransparency, undercoordination and safety upon the residentialresumption program.of such services.

Customer(b) TariffThe Optionsworking Eachgroup EDCshall mustinclude: offer residential customers a tariff for the purchase of any energy produced and not consumed in the netting period PURA establishes and any renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by the energy resource, on a cents-per-kilowatt hour (kWh) basis.

ForPublic low-incomeAct customers or customers that live in multifamily HB5340 / File No.

38526-127 2227 HB5340of File40 House Bill No.

3855340 affordable(1) housing,The thechairperson billof requires EDCs to offer, and customers to select, (1) the tariffPublic describedUtilities aboveRegulatory forAuthority, residential customers or (2)the achairperson's tariffdesignee; to purchase all energy and RECs on a cents-per-kWh basis.

Under(2) theThe bill,chairperson a “low-income customer” is a residential customer (1) with income up to 60% of the stateConnecticut medianSiting incomeCouncil, or (2) who lives in an affordable housing development, which is housing where people with annual income at or below the municipality’schairperson's AMIdesignee; pay no more than 30% of their income for housing.

(3) The billCommissioner allows PURA to adopt a different definition of “low-incomeEnergy customer”and toEnvironmental alignProtection, itor withthe federalcommissioner's renewabledesignee; energy incentive requirements.

PURA(4) mustThe setConsumer tariffCounsel, termsor and conditions consistent with the bill’scounsel's requirements.designee;

The(5) tariffsA arelocal subjectfire tomarshal anyfrom PURAa terms,municipality conditions,in which two or othermore stipulations,facilities includingdescribed stipulationsin onsubdivision capacity(3) rights.of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, are sited;

Under(6) theOne bill,or thesemore tariffsrepresentatives havefrom termsan upelectric todistribution 20company, yearsas anddefined EDCsin mustsection offer16-1 themof untilthe Julygeneral 1,statutes; 2036.

Cost(7) RecoveryOne andor Creditsmore EDCsowners mustor (1)operators recoverof theiran prudentlyelectric andgeneration reasonablyfacility incurreddescribed costs incurred in implementingsubdivision this(3) programof onsubsection a(a) timelyof basissection through16-50i aof non- bypassable, fully reconciling electric rate component and (2) credit customers for any net revenues from the salegeneral ofstatutes, productsas purchasedamended underby thethis tariffsact; in the same way.

§(8) 2A —person NON-RESIDENTIALemployed RENEWABLEby ENERGYan PROGRAMinstitution Requiresof PURAhigher toeducation establishin a successor to the NRESstate, programwho Thehas billexpertise requiresin PURAelectrical toengineering initiateor aany proceedingfield byrelated Julyto 1,the 2027,generation, totransmission establishaor successorprogramtotheNon-ResidentialRenewableEnergydistribution Solutionsof (NRES)electricity; program.

The NRES program governs how non- residential utility customers (for example, commercial and industrial(9) customers)Any areother compensatedinterested forparty the energychairperson theirdeems renewableappropriate. energy systems produce.

The(c) programNot beganlater than February 1, 2027, the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority shall, in 2022accordance and,with bythe law,provisions continuesof untilsection 2027.11-4a of the general statutes, submit a report on the efforts of such working group and any recommendations to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology and public safety.

LikeSec. the residential program, the bill requires PURA to consider the value of the DER study’s findings and the impact of Class I renewable HB5340 / File No.

38515. 23 HB5340 File No.

385(NEW) energy(Effective sourcesJuly on1, the2026) state’s(a) greenhouseAs gasused reduction goals in thethis non-section: residential successor program proceeding.

PURAPublic mustAct issueNo. a final order in the proceeding by April 1, 2028.

Tariffs26-127 and28 Ratesof PURA40 mustHouse setBill tariffsNo. for each EDC and rates for these tariffs.

In5340 doing(1) so,"Commissioner" itmeans mustthe consider:Commissioner of Administrative Services;

1.(2) "Residential energy storage system" means any commercially available technology that is (A) used to meet the electrical demand for the residential property on which such system is installed, and (B) capable of absorbing energy, storing such energy for a period of time and thereafter dispatching the energy, and that is further capable of:

(i) Using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes to store electricity that isgenerated at onetime for use at alatertime;(ii)storing thermalenergy for direct use for heating or cooling at a DER’slater averagetime installationin cost,a 2.manner that avoids the need to use electricity at a later time;

costs(iii) andusing benefitsmechanical, chemical or thermal processes to programstore participantselectricity andgenerated nonparticipatingfrom ratepayers,renewable 3.energy sources for use at a later time;

theor CES,(iv) using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes to capture or harness waste electricity and 4.to store such electricity generated from mechanical processes for delivery at a later time;

DERs’(3) values"Municipality" ormeans benefitsany totown, electriccity, gridborough, reliability.consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough;

PURA(4) must"Residential alsosolar considerphotovoltaic howsystem" tomeans incorporateequipment theand followingdevicesthat into(A)have ratestheprimary setpurpose forofcollecting anysolar tariffenergyand undergenerating electricity by photovoltaic effect, (B) have a nameplate capacity rating of twenty-five kilowatts or less, and (C) are installed on the non-residentialroof successorof program:a single-family or multifamily home;

1.and (5) "Smart solar permitting platform" means the Internet-based platform known as SolarAPP+ developed by the National Laboratory of the Rockies within the United States Department of Energy, or a similar Internet-based platform selected by the Commissioner of Administrative Services to automate the review of an application for a building permit to construct a residential solar photovoltaic system or such system in combination with a residential energy storage system.

energyPublic storageAct systemNo. incentives that provide electric distribution benefits, 2.

incentives26-127 concerning29 aof distributed40 energyHouse source’sBill locationNo. on the electric distribution system in a way that improves system reliability, 3.

preferences5340 (b) Not later than July 1, 2028, the Commissioner of Administrative Services shall implement a smart solar permitting platform for developingthe distributedpurpose energyof projects(1) automatically reviewing applications to construct a residential solar photovoltaic system or such system in distressedcombination municipalitieswith a residential energy storage system, and brownfields,(2) 4.instantly releasing a building permit to construct such system or systems if such system or systems comply with the Connecticut State Building Code.

(c) The commissioner shall administer the smart solar canopypermitting projectplatform incentives,in anda 5.manner that allows for the:

other(1) energyUse policyby benefitsthe identifiedDepartment inof Administrative Services, any municipality, any architect licensed pursuant to chapter 390 of the CES.general statutes, any professional engineer licensed pursuant to chapter of the general statutes and any contractor licensed pursuant to chapter 393 of the general statutes;

Netting(2)Automated Periodevaluationofany PURAapplicationto mustconstruct establisharesidential thesolar timephotovoltaic periodsystem foror calculatingan theenergy netstorage amountsystem ofto energydetermine producedwhether bysuch asystemcomplieswiththerequirementsoftheConnecticut DERState Building Code and notwhether consumed,such whichapplication mustcomplies bewith (1)the inregulations realadopted time;by the commissioner pursuant to this section;

(2)(3) oneInstant dayrelease (3)of ina building permit for any fractionsuch application that is determined to comply with the requirements of athe day;Connecticut State Building Code and the regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to this section after such evaluation;

or (4) inProcessing anya periodpermit application for not less than seventy-five per cent of timeresidentialrooftop greatersolar thanoneday,uptophotovoltaic andincludingsystems onemonth.Whenthat setting(A) HB5340weighless /than Filefour No.pounds per square foot, (B) provide electrical power to detached single and multifamily homes, and (C) comply with Connecticut State Building Code requirements for installation on an existing residential structure;

385Public 24Act HB5340 File No.

38526-127 the30 nettingof time40 period,House PURABill mustNo. also assess whether to incorporate time-varying rates or other dynamic pricing methods.

Eligible5340 DERs(5) EDCsUsers mustof offerthe tariffsplatform underto thesubmit program,an startingapplication Julyto 1,construct 2028,a forresidential solar photovoltaic system, or such system in combination with a residential energy andstorage RECssystem, fromtwenty-four hours a DERday, that:except when the platform is unavailable because of a system upgrade or maintenance;

1.(6) Use of digital signatures, stamps, seals or certifications on all submitted applications and supporting documents necessary for the issuance of a permit;

emits(7) noProvision pollutants,of 2.customer service to assist users in navigating the platform;

isand located(8) onPeriodic aupdate customer’sas premisesnecessary (otherto thanconform state,with agriculturalchanges andto municipalthe customers,Connecticut seeState below),Building 3.Code or any other applicable state law.

is(d) less(1) thanA fivemunicipality megawattsshall either allow for the submission of applications to construct a residential solar photovoltaic system, or such system in size,combination andwith 4.a residential energy storage system, through the smart solar permitting platform adopted by the commissioner or through an alternative automated solar permitting platform that satisfies the requirements set forth in this section in an equivalent manner as the smart solar permitting platform.

servesA municipality may coordinate the EDC’sselection distributionand system.implementation of an alternative automated solar permitting platform with the regional council of governments of which such municipality is a member, including the issuance of any request for proposals, invitation to bid or other solicitation concerning the development and implementation of such alternative platform.

To(2) beAny eligible,municipality DERsthat mustelects be designed not to exceedimplement thean loadalternative atautomated thesolar customer’spermitting individualplatform electricshall meterenable (oraccess setto of electric meters when they are combined for billing purposes) as PURA determines, unless the customeralternative isplatform anot state,later agricultural,than orJanuary municipal1, (SAM)2029. customer.

ForA SAMmunicipality customers,that theimplements DERan mayalternative alsoautomated includesolar thepermitting loadplatform ofshall upPublic toAct (1)No. five SAM beneficial accounts designated for virtual net metering and (2) five non-state or municipal benefit accounts if they are critical facilities, like hospitals, connected to a microgrid.

Beneficial26-127 accounts31 areof generally40 retailHouse customersBill designatedNo. by a SAM customer to receive virtual net metering credits generated by its facility.

The5340 billnot exemptsrequire SAMan customersapplicant fromto thesubmit requirementany thatdocumentation generationor projects,information includingthat co-locatedis storagenot facilitiesrequired connectedthrough to the projects,smart besolar locatedpermitting onplatform. the customer’s premises.

Tariff(3) StructureA andmunicipality Applicationthat Processallows EDCsfor mustthe offersubmission tariffsof underresidential thesolar program,photovoltaic forsystem theapplications purchasethrough ofthe anysmart energysolar producedpermitting andplatform shall, not consumedlater inthan theJanuary PURA-established1, netting2029, period,revise onits apermitting cents-per-kWhfee hourschedule basis,to andreflect any RECsreduction anin eligiblecost DERor generates.resources expended by the municipality to permit residential solar energy systems.

The(e) tariff(1) isA subjectmunicipality that allows for the submission of applications to PURA’sconstruct terms,a conditions,residential solar photovoltaic system, or stipulations,such includingsystem onin capacitycombination rights.with a residential energy storage system, through an alternative automated solar permitting platform shall submit a compliance report to the commissioner, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, not later than sixty days after the municipality implements such alternative platform.

HB5340A /local Filecompliance No.report shall include, but need not be limited to:

385(A) 25The HB5340date Fileof No.compliance by the municipality;

385(B) PURAThe mustsoftware setused tarifffor termscompliance andby conditions consistent with the bill’smunicipality; requirements.

Underand (C) Documentation demonstrating that the bill,alternative tariffsautomated undersolar permitting platform implemented by the municipality satisfies the requirements set forth in subsection (c) of this programsection havein 20-yearan terms.equivalent manner as the platform implemented by the commissioner.

The(2) billIf requiresthe PURAcommissioner determines that documentation submitted in a local compliance report pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection is insufficient to verify that the alternative platform satisfies the requirements set tariffsforth in subsection (c) of this section in an equivalent manner as the platform implemented by the commissioner, the municipality shall provide the commissioner, at the commissioner's request, access to purchasethe energymunicipality's onalternative aplatform cents-per-kWhso hourthat basisthe aftercommissioner anymay tariffdetermine termswhether expire.the alternative platform Public Act No.

PURA26-127 must32 developof and40 implementHouse anBill applicationNo. process for anyone who seeks to use a tariff under the non-residential successor program.

PURA5340 mustcomplies setwith programsaid eligibilityrequirements. criteria for DERs under the program, including whether an applicant has:

1.(3) The commissioner shall provide public access to any local compliance report submitted by a municipality on the Internet web site of the Department of Administrative Services.

a(f) lawful(1) rightA municipality that implements an alternative automated solar permitting platform pursuant to controlthis thesection proposedshall, site,commencing 2.on July 1,2029, submit anannualreport to thecommissioner.The commissioner may establish guidelines for annual reports required under this subsection.

securedEach anysuch requiredannual permitreport forshall installationinclude, orbut operation,need andnot 3.be limited to:

secured(A) anyThe interconnectionnumber agreementof orpermits approvalreleased requiredby tothe connectmunicipality for residential solar photovoltaic systems through the resourcealternative toautomated solar permitting platform and the electricrelevant grid.characteristics of such systems;

EDCs(B) mustThe offernumber of permits released by the tariffsmunicipality for residential solar photovoltaic systems through means other than the non-residentialalternative successorautomated programsolar untilpermitting Julyplatform 1,and 2036.the relevant characteristics of such systems;

Programand Cost(C) CapsDocumentation Thedemonstrating billthat setsthe capsalternative forautomated solar permitting platform satisfies the annualrequirements amountset forth in subsection (c) of moneythis spentsection onin an equivalent manner as the program.platform implemented by the commissioner.

Specifically,(2) forIf tariffthe yearscommissioner startingdetermines Januarythat 1,documentation 2028,submitted itpursuant capsto subdivision(1)ofthissubsectionisinsufficient to verifythat the totalalternative aggregateautomated procurementsolar permitting platform meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c) of energythis productssection in an equivalent manner as the platform implemented by EDCsthe undercommissioner, the programmunicipality shall provide the commissioner, at $25the millioncommissioner's perrequest, year.access to the platform so that the commissioner may determine Public Act No.

It26-127 allows33 (1) any money not allocated in a given year to roll into the next year’s available funds and (2) PURA to adjust the annual purchase amount of other40 procurementHouse parametersBill toNo. maintain program effectiveness.

PURA5340 mustwhether monitor the effectivenessalternative ofplatform anycomplies procurementswith authorizedsaid underrequirements. the program.

Cost(3) Recovery,The Credits,commissioner andshall RECsprovide EDCspublic mustaccess (1)to recoverannual theirreports prudentlysubmitted andby reasonablya incurredmunicipality costson incurred in implementing the programInternet onweb asite timelyof basis through a non- bypassable, fully reconciling electric rate component and (2) credit customers for any net revenues from the saleDepartment of productsAdministrative purchasedServices. under the tariffs in the same way.

Existing(g) lawThe requirescommissioner PURA,shall inprescribe consultationthe withform DEEP,and toformat establishof HB5340applications /for Filepermits, No.including supporting documentation, specifications, requirements for digital signatures, stamps, seals or certifications and other information exchanged through the smart solar permitting platform.

385The 26commissioner HB5340shall Filerequire No.that any application and supporting documents submitted pursuant to this section be prepared and submitted by any architect licensed pursuant to chapter 390 of thegeneral statutes, any professional engineer licensed pursuanttochapter391ofthegeneralstatutesoranycontractorlicensed pursuant to chapter 393 of the general statutes.

385The procedurescommissioner shall waive any requirement related to sellphysical signatures, stamps, seals, certifications or retirenotarization RECsimposed purchasedby understatute, renewableregulation energyor programslocal (includingordinance RRESin andorder NRES)for andthe othersmart energysolar procurements.permitting platform to process permit applications, provided the permit application contains a digital signature, stamp, seal or certification.

The(h) billA requiresperson PURAexchanging information through either the smart solar permitting platform or through an alternative automated solar permitting platform shall not be subject to followa theselicensing proceduressanction, civil penalty, fine, permit disapproval, revocation or other sanction for RECsfailure into thecomply non-with residentialany successorstatute, program.regulation or local ordinance that requiressubmissionofsuchinformationinphysicalform,including,but notlimitedto,anyrequirementthattheinformationbe(1)inaparticular form or of a particular size, (2) submitted with multiple copies, (3) physically attached to another document, (4) an original document, or (5) signed, stamped, sealed, certified or notarized.

§Sec. 3 — SHARED CLEAN ENERGY FACILITY PROGRAM Requires PURA to establish a successor to the SCEF program The bill requires PURA to initiate a proceeding by July 1, 2027, to establish a successor program to the Shared Clean Energy Facility (SCEF) program.

The16. SCEF program governs how utility customers who subscribe to a SCEF are compensated for energy products the facility produces.

By(Effective law,from thepassage)(a)TheConnecticut programSiting continuesCouncilshall untilPublic 2027.Act No.

Eligible26-127 Shared34 Clean Energy Facilities Under the bill, a shared clean energy facility is a Class I renewable energy source that emits no pollutants, is served by an EDC, has at least two subscribers, and has a nameplate capacity of up40 toHouse fiveBill megawatts.No.

PURA5340 mustnot allowapprove cost-effectivea facilitiesdeclaratory ruling for a solar photovoltaic facility under section 16-50k of variousthe sizesgeneral tostatutes participateor grant a certificate for a facility described in subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act, that is a solar photovoltaic facility if the council finds that such facility is located in a municipality in which greater than (1) five and mayone-half allowper multiplecent projectsof the total land area of such municipality, or (2) two per cent of the total land area of such municipality, if such municipality is contiguous with, and to the north of, a town described by subdivision (1) of this subsection, excluding solar installations approved by the council on any brownfield, as defined in eachsection EDC’s32-760 serviceof area.the general statutes, or any landfill, contains solar photovoltaic installations and related solar infrastructure, calculated by total parcel size, previously approved by the council.

Eligible(b) CustomersTo Thecalculate billthe allowspercentage PURAof to:land area covered by such solar facilities pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the total parcel size of such installations and related infrastructure in such municipality, as determined by the computer-assisted mass appraisal system maintained by the Geographic Information Systems Office within the Office of Policy and Management, shall be divided by the total acreage of the municipality.

1.The prohibition on the council's ability to approve a declaratory ruling or grant a certificate for a facility proposed in such municipality shall expire on July 1, 2027, and shall not apply to facilities proposed to be sited on land zoned for commercial or industrial use by the municipality as of January 1, 2024.

limit(c) subscribersThe toCommissioner low-incomeof customersEnergy orand residentialEnvironmental customersProtection, located in anconsultation environmentalwith justicethe communityCommissioner (seeof BACKGROUND);Agriculture, the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, the chairperson of the Connecticut Siting Council, the president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the president of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns, the executive director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, the president of the Connecticut State Building Trades Public Act No.

2.26-127 35 of 40 House Bill No.

require5340 thatCouncil, noa moretraining thandirector 40%of a registered affiliate of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council, the Secretary of Office of Policy and Management, the chairperson of the Council on Environmental Quality, the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, the Consumer Counsel, a facility’sconservation totalorganization capacitybased bein soldConnecticut with expertise in the management of forests and a conservation organization based in Connecticut with expertise in agrivoltaics and farmland soils, shall prepare a report, as described in subsections (d) to commercial(f), customers;inclusive, of this section, recommending specific criteria concerning the equitable distribution of siting solar photovoltaic energy generating systems in the state.

3.Not later than February 1, 2027, the commissioner shall submit such report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary, government administration and elections, labor, energy and the environment.

prioritize(d) programThe participationCommissioner forof low-incomeEnergy customersand whoEnvironmental haveProtection arrearagesmay, withwithin theiravailable EDC;appropriations, hire a consultant to assist in the preparation of such report, provided such consultant shall not own or operate any facility, as defined in section 16-50i of the general statutes, as amended by this act.

(e) The report prepared pursuant to this section shall include evaluations of and 4.recommendations concerning:

create(1) incentivesThe orlocation otherof financingsolar mechanismsfacilities topreviously encourageapproved low-incomeby customerthe participation.council, with a focus on measuring and explaining the distribution of and concentration of solar facilities across the state;

PURA(2) musthow require the EDCscouncil tocan submitfurther plansminimize forconflicts itsbetween approvalsolar ondevelopment enrollingand customersother toland anyuse sharedpriorities, cleanparticularly energyin facilitymunicipalities underwith thegreater HB5340concentrations /of Filesolar No.development;

385(3) 27an HB5340assessment Fileof No.the effectiveness of Public Act 17-218 at protecting core forest and prime farmland resources in the solar facility siting process;

385(4) program,the whichexistence mayof includeproject automaticlabor enrollmentagreements forPublic certainAct customersNo. and opt-out provisions.

Tariff26-127 Rates36 andof Structure40 InHouse itsBill proceedingNo. to establish this program, PURA must set a tariff that includes a price cap in cents-per-kWh or rates for eligible customers based on the CES’s policy goals.

These5340 maybetween includethe timedevelopers varyingof ratessuch orsolar otherfacilities dynamicand pricingthe methods.Connecticut State Building Trades Council;

(The(5) bill allows the timepotential periodseconomic toimpacts bethat thesolar samefacility asdevelopment theprojects nettingmay periodshave, describedincluding abovehow formany thedirect residential and non-residentialindirect successorjobs programs.)would PURAbe maycreated setin additionala tariffcommunity terms and conditions to implement the bill’ssurrounding requirements.region;

PURA(6) musthow issuethe adeveloper finalof ordersuch inprojects itsmay proceedingdemonstrate that contractors and subcontractors have a registered apprenticeship program approved by Aprilthe 1,state, 2028.whose curriculum includes training for solar and other Class I renewable energy source construction;

The(7) billhow requiresa PURAdeveloper tomay examineattest incorporatingthat thecontractors followingand intosubcontractors sharedhave cleanno energyhistory facilityof rates:stop work orders, wage violations or licensing violations pending by a federal or state agency, nor have they been cited for any wage or licensing violations by a federal or state agency within the preceding five years;

1.and (8) any policy recommendations resulting from such evaluations.

energy(f) storageNot systemlater incentivesthan thatNovember provide30, electric2026, distributionthe benefits,commissioner 2.shall post a draft report on the Internet web site of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for public review and comment.

incentivesPrior concerningto submitting a distributedfinal energyreport source’spursuant locationto onsubsection (c) of this section, the electriccommissioner distributionshall systemprovide infor aone wayor thatmore improvespublic systemcomment reliability,periods 3.andintegrate any publiccomment the commissioner deemsappropriate and useful into such final report.

preferencesSec. for developing distributed energy projects in distressed municipalities and brownfields, 4.

solar17. canopy project incentives, and 5.

otherSubsection energy(a) policyof benefitssection identified16-50i inof the CES.general statutes is repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

PURA(a) must"Facility" determinemeans: the billing credit for subscribers that may be issued through the EDC’s billing systems and set consumer protections for subscribers (and potential subscribers), including requiring disclosures when selling or reselling a subscription.

The(1) programAn mustelectric usetransmission oneline orof morea tariffdesign mechanismscapacity withof thesixty-nine EDCskilovoltsor formore, 20-yearincluding terms,associated subjectequipment tobut PURA’snot approval,including toa paytransmission forline energytap, productsas anddefined RECsin producedsubsection by(e) facilitiesof orthis tosection; deliver billing credits.

HB5340(2) /a Filefuel No.transmission facility, except a gas transmission line having a design capability of less than two hundred pounds per square inch gauge pressure or having a design capacity of less than twenty per cent of its specified minimum yield strength;

385(3) 28any HB5340electric FilePublic Act No.

38526-127 Starting37 Julyof 1,40 2028,House theBill billNo. requires EDCs to offer the tariffs to shared clean energy facility subscribers consistent with PURA’s requirements.

EDCs5340 mustgenerating continueor storage facility using any fuel, including nuclear materials, including associated equipment for furnishing electricity but not including an emergency generating device, as defined in subsection (f)ofthissectionorafacility (A)ownedandoperatedbyaprivatepower producer, as defined in section 16-243b, (B) which is a qualifying small power production facility or aqualifying cogeneration facility under the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, as amended, or a facility determined by the council to offerbe sharedprimarily cleanfor a producer's own use, and (C) which has, in the case of a facility utilizing renewable energy sources, a generating capacity of one megawatt of electricity or less and, in the case of a facility tariffsutilizing untilcogeneration Julytechnology, 1,a 2036.generating capacity of twenty-five megawatts of electricity or less;

When(4) any electric substation or switchyard designed to change or regulate the tariffvoltage termsof expire,electricity PURAat mustsixty-nine setkilovolts tariffsor more or to buyconnect energytwo onor more electric circuits at such voltage, which substation or switchyard may have a cents-per-kWhsubstantial basis.adverse environmental effect, as determined by the council established under section 16-50j, and other facilities which may have a substantial adverse environmental effect as the council may, by regulation,prescribe;(5)suchcommunityantennatelevisiontowersand head-end structures, including associated equipment, which may have a substantial adverse environmental effect, as said council shall, by regulation, prescribe;

Program[and] Cost(6) Capssuch Thetelecommunication billtowers, capsincluding associated telecommunications equipment, owned or operated by the totalstate, amounta public service company or a certified telecommunications provider or used in a cellular system, as defined in the Code of moneyFederal thatRegulations Title 47, Part 22, as amended, which may behave spenta onsubstantial theadverse programenvironmental eacheffect, year.as said council shall, by regulation, prescribe;

Specifically,and for(7) tariff(A) yearsan startingelectric Januarytransmission 1,line 2028,and itany capsassociated theequipment totaldescribed aggregatein procurementsubdivision (1) of energythis productssubsection, byor EDCs(B) underany electric substation or switchyard or other facility described in subdivision (4) of this subsection, including a combination of the programfacilities atdescribed $16in millionsubparagraphs per(A) year.and (B) of this subdivision, that is either an expansion of an existing facility or the Public Act No.

It26-127 allows38 (1) any money not allocated in a given year to roll into the next year’s available funds and (2) PURA to adjust the annual purchase amount of other40 procurementHouse parametersBill toNo. maintain program effectiveness.

PURA5340 mustinstallationofa monitornewfacility,andthat is designedto (i)accommodate the effectivenessinterconnection of one or more future sources of generation of any procurementstype authorizedthat underis not yet the program.subject of an interconnection agreement, or (ii) relieve transmission system constraints in order to facilitate delivery of power from such future sources of generation;

CostSec. Recovery and Credits EDCs must (1) recover their prudently and reasonably incurred costs inimplementing thesuccessor programonatimely basisthroughanon- bypassable, fully reconciling electric rate component and (2) credit customers for any net revenues from the sale of products purchased under the tariffs in the same way.

§18. 4 — TASKFORCE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR SOLAR CUSTOMERS Expands the scope of the task force’s study and extends its reporting deadline to February 1, 2027 Existing law establishes a 17-member task force to examine and recommend ways to improve disclosure requirements and consumer protections for solar customers, including whether special protections are needed for low-income customers or senior citizens.

TheSubdivision bill(3) expandsof subsection (c) of section 16-50p of the study’sgeneral scopestatutes byis additionallyrepealed requiringand itthe tofollowing examine:is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

1.(3) For purposes of this section, a public benefit exists when a facility is necessary for the reliability of the electric power supply of the state or for the development of a competitive market for electricity and a public need exists when a facility is necessary for the reliability of the electric power supply of the state.

licensingWith requirementsrespect byto contractorsa whofacility engagedescribed in solarsubdivision electricity(7) workof andsubsection HB5340(a) /of Filesection No.16-50i, as amended by this act, in determining that a public need exists pursuant to this subdivision, the council shall consider whether such facility addresses anticipated future electric grid reliability needs, including the need for additional generation on the electric grid to maintain future resource adequacy.

385Any 29future HB5340reliability Fileneeds No.identified in the council's determination of public need for a facility described in subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of section 16-50i, as amended by this act, shall be supported by (A) any study or finding of the regional independent system operator, as defined in section 16-1, (B) the Integrated Resources Plan approved pursuant to section 16a-3a, or (C) through an advisory opinion by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection stating that such facility is in the best interest of ratepayers in the state that is submitted in the relevant proceeding of the siting council.

385Such 2.an advisory opinion may, without limitation, be based on the availability of funding from sources other than ratepayers in the state, the collaborative efforts of with one or more other states that will provide a net benefit to ratepayers in the state, or whether the proposed Public Act No.

requirements26-127 on39 auditsof or40 otherHouse waysBill toNo. ensure that contractors or others who sell or lease solar facilities comply with applicable laws or regulations.

The5340 billproject extendsshall theeliminate, study’sor dueotherwise datelimit, to February 1, 2027, when the taskneed forcefor mustother reportupgrades itstothetransmissionsystemthatwouldbeacosttoratepayersinthestate. findings to the Energy and Technology and General Law committees.

TheSec. task force terminates on this date or when it submits its study, whichever is later.

§19. 5 — PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICES Defines portable solar generation devices and exempts them from certain requirements related to interconnection and EDC approval The bill exempts portable solar generation devices from certain requirements related to interconnection and EDC approval.

UnderSection 16-243hh of the bill,general astatutes “portableis solarrepealed generationand device”the following is asubstituted solarin photovoltaiclieu generationthereof device(Effective that:from passage):

1.Not later than January 1, 2025, each gas company, as defined in section 16-1, shall institute a program to provide a rebate to any customers of such company that use natural gas for a shared clean energy facility, as defined in subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of section 16-244z, that was selected in a solicitation pursuant to said subsection.

is[on notor permanentlybefore affixedDecember 31, 2023.] The amount of such rebate shall equal the retail delivery charge that such company charges such customer for transporting natural gas to asuch structure;shared clean energy facility.

2.Such company may recover the costs of providing such rebates through such company's decoupling mechanism pursuant to section 16-19tt.

hasThe aauthority maximummay poweradopt outputregulations, in accordance with the provisions of upchapter 54, to 1,200implement watts;the provisions of this section.

3.Governor's Action:

isApproved designedJune to4, be2026 connectedPublic toAct aNo. building’s electric system through a standard 120 volt alternating current outlet located behind a customer’s electric meter;

4.26-127 40 of 40

is intended primarily to offset part of the customer’s electricity consumption;

5.

meets State Building Code requirements;

6.

is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory;

and 7.

includes a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building’s electric system during a power outage.

The bill exempts these devices from any requirement on interconnection agreements imposed by PURA regulations or decisions, as long as only one device is used behind a customer’s electric meter.

HB5340 / File No.

385 30 HB5340 File No.

385 The bill also prohibits EDCs from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation device to (1) get the company’s approval before installing or using the system or (2) install additional controls or equipment (beyond what is integrated into the system), as long as not more thanonedevice isused behinda customer’selectricmeter.

The bill also prohibits EDCs from being liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation device.

§ 6 — AGRIVOLTAICS PROJECTS Defines agrivoltaics projects and requires DEEP to implement a tariff-based agrivoltaics program by July 1, 2027 The bill requires DEEP to implement a program to support agrivoltaicsprojectsinthestate by July 1,2027.An “agrivoltaicsproject” is a solar photovoltaic system with a nameplate capacity over one megawatt that islocatedonlandinactualusefor farmingoragricultural operations.

Project Applications and Approvals DEEP must prescribe anapplication for anyoneseeking to participate in the program.

Under the bill, applicants must:

1.

demonstrate thattheproposedproject locationisonlandthat has not been cleared or otherwise converted from forest land to another use in the previous five years (though DEEP may waive this requirement, see below);

2.

provide a stormwater management plan for the proposed site;

3.

submit a plan detailing the site’s proposed agricultural use;

and 4.

provide a soil analysis for the proposed site, at DEEP’s request.

The bill allows DEEP to waive the first requirement if, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, the DEEP commissioner determines that the clearing or conversion and development of an agrivoltaics project will have no adverse environmental impact in the community and that the project will increase electric grid reliability in the community.

HB5340 / File No.

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385 Under the bill, “forest land” is the same land eligible to be classified under the “PA 490 program” (which allows eligible land to be assessed for property tax purposes based on its current use value, rather than its fair market value).

Specifically, it is eligible land that consists of (1) one tract of land of 25 or more contiguous acres, (2) at least two tracts totaling at least 25 acres in which no single tract is less than 10 acres, or (3) any tract contiguous to a forest land tract owned by the same owner if it meets the law’s standards.

To approve a project, the DEEP commissioner must also determine that:

1.

based onany analyses ofsoilsamplesor theagricultural plan,the project will be viable for energy generation and productive agricultural use;

and 2.

installing solar photovoltaic components used in the agrivoltaics project will not result in unnecessary removal of topsoil or vegetation from the site, excessive excavation to install foundations for panel support structures or electrical wiring trenches, or disturbance of any wetlands or watercourse.

Tariff Proposal and Review The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to develop a tariff proposal and submit it to PURA by March 1, 2027.

The proposal must include rates for energy generated by an agrivoltaics project, and any other terms or conditions the DEEP commissioner deems necessary to implement the bill’s provisions.

Under the proposed tariff, EDCs must be entitled to recover all reasonable costs and expenses they prudently incur to implement and operate the program through a reconciling electric rate component, as PURA determines.

PURA must approve or modify DEEP’s tariff proposal by May 1, 2027.

The bill also requires the EDCs to submit any tariffs proposed under the section applicable to an agrivoltaics project and any proposal to recover costs associated with administering the program to PURA by July 1, 2027.

(Presumably, the EDCs must submit rates or proposals that HB5340 / File No.

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385 are in accordance with DEEP’s tariff.) Reporting Requirements and Regulations Agrivoltaics project owners or operators approved to participate in the program must report annually to the DEEP commissioner, as the commissioner prescribes, on agricultural yields, livestock grazing, or other agricultural activities connected to the project.

DEEP may adopt regulations to set procedures and guidelines to implement these provisions.

§ 7 — ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE SOLAR PROGRAM Requires DEEP to establish a two-year pilot program to install low- or no-cost residential solar at 100 households located in any environmental justice community The bill requires the DEEP commissioner, in consultation with EDCs, to establish a two-year pilot program to support the installation of residential solar photovoltaic systems for environmental justice community residents.

The pilot program must be designed to install low- or no-cost systems for 100 households in these communities.

The DEEP commissioner may (1) enter into an agreement with a licensed contractor to install systems under the program and (2) give priority to a minority-owned business when selecting a contractor (presumably, following state contracting laws).

She must report by December 1, 2028, to the Energy and Technology and Environment committees on the program’s impact, her recommendation on whether a permanent program should be established, and any legislation that would be needed to do so.

§ 8 — HARDSHIP CUSTOMERS AND ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS Specifies that existing provisions related to limits on electric supplier ratees only apply to hardship customers Current law allows hardship and certain other customers to enroll with an electric supplier, as long as all supplier rates are no higher than the standard service offer for the duration of the contract.

The bill specifies that this limit applies to electric supplier contracts with the same hardship customers and other customers authorized to enroll HB5340 / File No.

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385 under this law (hardship customers, customers with arrearages deducted from their bills through a matching payment program, customers who receive other financial assistance from an EDC, or customers who are otherwise protected by law from shutoffs).

Current law also allows PURA to initiate a docket to order all customer contracts with electric suppliers to comply with appropriate limitations PURA deems necessary.

The bill explicitly narrows this authorization to only apply to hardship customer contracts.

Under current law, if PURA initiates this docket, it must reopen it every two years.

The bill specifies that it must reopen it every two years to determine whether the order remains necessary.

It makes other technical and conforming changes.

BACKGROUND Environmental Justice Communities By law, anenvironmentaljustice community isa(1)U.S.

census block group in which at least 30% of the population consists of non- institutionalized, low-income people with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level or (2) distressed municipality (CGS 22a-20a).

COMMITTEE ACTION Energy and Technology Committee Joint Favorable Yea 18 Nay 8 (03/19/2026) HB5340 / File No.

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