CT SB00023

Amends civil preparedness statutes to require public service companies, telecommunications companies, and voice over Internet protocol providers to participate in state emergency preparedness plans and comply with service restoration standards established by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Directs the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to establish industry-specific emergency performance standards for electric and gas utilities, including minimum staffing levels, service restoration targets, tree trimming requirements, communication protocols, and mutual aid agreements; utilities must submit annual emergency response reports by April 15 annually.

Authorizes the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to conduct post-emergency reviews and levy civil penalties up to 2.5% of annual distribution revenue against utilities that fail to meet emergency preparedness standards, with penalties returned as credits to ratepayers.

Establishes a microgrid grant and loan pilot program with up to $15 million in funding to support distributed energy generation and microgrids for critical facilities in municipalities and by electric distribution companies.

Requires telecommunications providers to file updated emergency service restoration plans every two years, mandates backup power reports from mobile radio service providers for telecommunications towers, and directs studies on food spoilage reimbursement programs and expedited road-clearing procedures following emergencies.