HB05957: An Act Concerning The Combined Public Benefits Charge, The Restoration Of Electricity Service After System Service Outages, Promoting The Usage Of Smart Meters And Prohibiting Tax Assessment Increases Based On Residential Solar Installations.

Legislative Summary

To (1) require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct a ratepayer impact review concerning the charges collectively called the "Combined Public Benefits Charge" on electric bills for end use customers of each electric distribution company, (2) require said authority to review whether the ninety-six-consecutive-hour standard in subsection (b) of section 16-32l of the general statutes imposes undue costs and whether such standard should be revised, (3) promote an increase in electricity generation through shared subscription solar or battery storage projects, (4) encourage the adoption of smart meter systems for ratepayers, (5) create a tax credit for ratepayers who have paid the Combined Public Benefits Charge, (6) prohibit municipal tax assessors from increasing the assessed value of any residential property based on the installation or use of a solar photovoltaic system at such property, (7) require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct more frequent reviews of costs to ratepayers for storm damage remediation, and (8) require the reinvestment of certain funds paid to a nuclear power plant operation pursuant to power purchase agreements entered into or approved by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.