CT SB01501

Directs the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to appraise nuclear power generating facilities in Connecticut and determine if a solicitation process for zero-carbon electricity resources is necessary, with results reported to the General Assembly by February 1, 2018.

Appraisal must assess the current and projected economic condition of nuclear facilities and evaluate impacts of early retirement before July 1, 2027, on electric markets, fuel diversity, grid reliability, greenhouse gas emissions, and the state economy.

Authorizes the commissioner to issue solicitations for zero-carbon electricity resources including nuclear power, hydropower, Class I renewable energy, and energy storage systems, provided total annual output does not exceed 12 million megawatt hours and any agreement must be in the best interest of ratepayers.

Establishes contract terms of 3-10 years for nuclear and hydropower facilities and up to 20 years for renewable energy and storage systems, with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority required to approve agreements within 180 days or face automatic deemed approval.

Requires nuclear power facility operators to pay a pro rata share of appraisal and procurement costs up to $1 million total, with net costs of approved agreements recovered through a nonbypassable rate component for all electric customers.