North American Windpower: Connecticut Considering An Increase To Its Renewable Portfolio Standard

by NAW Staff on Monday 08 October 2012

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, D-Conn., has unveiled a draft comprehensive energy strategy for Connecticut that is intended to create jobs, lower energy costs and provide improved environmental protection.

Although the plan focuses heavily on increasing natural-gas usage, it also calls for expanding energy-efficiency programs and the use of renewable energy. The government will re-examine the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) - which currently calls for 20% renewable energy by 2020 - with an eye toward increasing both the RPS and the mix of renewable energy options.

The state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will also aim to increase distributed generation and use economic incentives - such as reverse auctions, the Connecticut Green Bank and power purchase agreements - to lower the costs of renewable energy.

The plan’s stated goal is to "promote a portfolio of alternative energy technologies that can compete with existing fossil-fuel generation over time.”

Combined, the governor's new energy strategy is expected to generate at least 10,000 jobs, according to Malloy's office. The draft is currently open for public comment and can be accessed here.

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