CT SB00450

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall study cost-effectiveness of natural gas line extension versus heating oil equipment efficiency programs, reporting findings by January 1, 2013.

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall study barriers to heating oil dealers providing other energy services, including non-petroleum equipment installation, reporting findings by January 1, 2013.

New home construction contractors must inform consumers of available state and federal incentives for energy efficient options; new commercial/industrial building contractors required to do the same effective July 1, 2012.

Establishes procedures for utility companies to cut or trim trees near power lines, requiring newspaper publication and notice to tree wardens; exempts smaller trees (12 inches diameter or less) from notice requirements.

Authorizes pilot program in up to three municipalities to distribute electricity from renewable energy sources across public highways to municipal facilities; extends renewable energy credit eligibility to three years for portfolio standard compliance.

Creates electric vehicle infrastructure support account to provide grants for upgrading infrastructure for electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles; requires State Building Code revisions by July 1, 2013 to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure in new residential and certain commercial construction.