Energy In the News

Hours after Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s farewell budget address, the Office of Policy and Management released its recommendations for which revenue stream it would like to see the state borrow against to find $1.3 billion to balance the state budget.

Its number one recommendation was the state’s Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund.

If the recommendation is adopted, it means the state will be diverting a portion of everyone’s electrical bill to cover the state’s budget deficit instead of dedicating that money to energy efficiency and weatherization efforts—an area where green jobs are being created.

“Without the investments in clean energy technology provided by these funds, Connecticut will no longer be able to make any significant efforts to help families and businesses put money in their pockets by cutting their energy bills,“ Chris Phelps, program director for Environment Connecticut, said Thursday. “Solar, fuel cell, wind and geothermal businesses will no longer be able to call Connecticut home.”

Phelps said the two funds are the foundation for all clean energy investments in the state and the recommendation is in direct conflict with Rell’s budget address Wednesday... MORE