SB01142: Power Plant Safety

• Department of Public Utility Control becomes responsible for coordinating all state safety programs relating to power plant operations, effective October 1, 2011.

• Connecticut Siting Council and Departments of Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Homeland Security must meet at least quarterly to discuss and develop resolutions for safety issues at power plants, with reports to the Governor and relevant legislators.

• Connecticut Siting Council can divide certification decisions for natural gas-powered electric generating facilities into two phases: construction approval and operational approval, with operational certificate only issued if safety features operate as designed.

• Applicants for natural gas-powered electric generating or storage facilities must submit additional safety information determined by the Department of Public Utility Control's gas pipeline safety unit, and those departments must be served notice of such applications.

• Council must initiate a proceeding by February 1, 2012 to establish expanded safety-related information requirements for natural gas-powered electric generating facility applicants.