CT HB05474

Establishes the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority as a separate entity within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for administrative purposes only, effective July 1, 2012.

Removes the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection's approval requirement for the Authority chairperson's decisions regarding staff duties, organization, and contractual agreements, granting the Authority greater operational independence.

Transfers regulatory authority over electric suppliers, billing standards, energy conservation programs, and electric generation procurement from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Creates a new Division of Enforcement within the Authority, effective October 1, 2012, to investigate violations of public utility regulations and recommend civil penalties, and establishes a Division of Adjudication to conduct hearings and advise on legal matters.

Modifies the Energy Conservation Management Board to be appointed by and report to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority rather than the Department, with the board electing its own chairperson instead of the Commissioner serving in that role.