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GovernmenT WaTCh Legislature To Consider More Money for Energy Programs B ased on the strong demand for Connecticut efficiency and renewable energy programs, the legislature will consider giving the initiatives more money in the upcoming 2015 ses- sion, said State Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), co-chair of the state's Energy & Technology Committee. "That is something we will have to discuss with the agencies and the utili- ties," Duff said. "We want to make that money available, but we don't want to overburden ratepayers." Connecticut has $200 million available for programs like Energize Connecticut, where businesses and residents can sign up to make their properties more efficient. The state also has programs like the $1 billion Zero-emission/ Low-emission Renew- able Energy Credit initia- tive that provides utility contracts for renewable energy installations. There is also the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority, which provides various levels of financing and support for programs like commercial building upgrades and food recyclers. All of these programs mostly are funded off charges on ratepayer bills, so the legislature wants to be careful before throwing more money on the pile, Duff said. But since the legislature in- creased the funding levels for these programs to their current amounts, the demand has been strong and the funds are running short, leaving the need for more, Duff said. "Clearly, the demand is there for more clean energy and conserva- tion," Duff said. Other than more funding, the legislative agenda for sustainability issues remains unclear as of yet. The state will continue to push its comprehensive energy strategy programs like submetering, virtual net metering, and expansion of the News Cycle Government Grades by Brad Kane Pipeline Expansion — Although it probably would have happened even if the New England governors hadn't formed a regional pact to improve the region's energy infra- structure — a pact that fell apart over philosoph- ical differences — the deal between Northeast Utilities and Spectra Energy to perform a $3 bil- lion natural gas transmission pipeline expansion by 2018 is significant to keeping Connecticut's energy costs and supply in check. Submetering — For something that Gov. Dannel P. malloy called for back in octo- ber 2012 and the legislature subsequently approved, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority certainly has been dragging its feet in deciding how owners of multi-unit buildings can charge tenants for electricity use to pay for renewable energy in- stallations. A decision is expected in December. Grade: A- 10 CoNNECTICUT GREEN GUIDE • Fall 2014 www.CTGreenGuide.com Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) Grade: D+ DEEP Developing Wildlife Action Plan The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection held a series of meetings through- out September and October to up- date its Wildlife Action Plan, which serves as conservation blueprint. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service requires state agencies to complete a revision of the plan every 10 years to reflects current needs. The update is due by Oct. 1, 2015.