SB 979 Summary

• Establishes a Connecticut Home Energy Label developed by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to provide standardized residential energy efficiency scores consistent with national ratings systems, effective January 1, 2024.

• Requires landlords to provide the energy label to prospective tenants upon request or before lease signing, with implementation phased by municipality based on energy cost burden (10% threshold July 2024, 6% threshold July 2025, 4% threshold July 2026, all municipalities July 2027).

• Exempts from labeling requirements rental units with fixed utility charges, buildings constructed after January 1, 2000, and landlord-occupied residences (until July 1, 2027).

• Authorizes municipalities to establish civil penalties of up to $500 for first violations or $1,000 for subsequent violations, with appeal rights to Superior Court within 30 days.

• Sets state goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 5% of total area in environmental justice communities and municipalities with populations of 100,000 or more by January 1, 2024, effective October 1, 2023.