CT HB07156

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may solicit proposals from offshore wind energy providers for up to 2,000 megawatts of total nameplate capacity, with initial solicitation required within 14 days of passage and full 2,000 megawatts procured by December 31, 2030.

Selected bidders must pay prevailing wages for U.S. construction work, negotiate project labor agreements, submit environmental and fisheries mitigation plans, and may include skilled labor apprenticeship program plans in their proposals.

Commissioner may direct electric distribution companies to enter power purchase agreements for up to 20 years on behalf of all state customers, with costs recovered through fully reconciling rate components.

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority must approve agreements within 90 days for 2019 solicitations or 120 days for solicitations after January 1, 2020, based on adequate reliability, prudent cost-effectiveness, and contractor capability.

Renewable energy standards increase incrementally from 21 percent Class I renewable energy sources by January 1, 2020, to 40 percent by January 1, 2030, with additional 4 percent from Class I or Class II sources.