CT SB00356

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall establish an energy efficiency retrofit grant program by September 1, 2021, using available federal or other funds to award grants for installing energy efficient upgrades to affordable housing and certain other dwelling units.

Eligible upgrades include energy efficiency and weatherization measures, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, heat pumps, balanced ventilation, and mitigation of health and safety hazards such as gas leaks, mold, asbestos, lead, and radon.

Grant applications must include project description, expected benefits, applicant financial and technical capacity, project budget, and other information the commissioner deems necessary; priority given to applicants using local prevailing wage contractors with minority business hiring efforts and serving low-income households.

Commissioner must submit annual reports to the General Assembly by January 1, 2023, and thereafter detailing program standards, analysis of residential scope that can be served, and proposed annual goals for affordable housing units served.

Electric distribution companies must offer residential customers two tariff options for purchasing renewable energy generated from Class I sources on customer premises with capacity up to 25 kilowatts for terms up to 20 years, with expanded eligibility for multifamily affordable housing with benefit-sharing requirements.