Substitute Bill No. 5052 Summary

• Public Utilities Regulatory Authority must initiate a docket by January 1, 2025 to develop a program encouraging installation of solar photovoltaic and energy storage systems at public schools, with capacity capped at 25 megawatts per year.

• School districts applying for building grants after July 1, 2024 are no longer required to deduct funds received from programs under sections 16-19f, 16-243y, 16-244z, 16-245m, or 16-245n from project costs prior to grant computation.

• School building project applications must include a solar feasibility assessment for any school building in towns or districts not currently using solar energy, effective July 1, 2024.

• School superintendents must select an entity with solar energy experience by October 1, 2024 to conduct solar feasibility assessments evaluating annual electric loads, available rooftop and surface area, interconnection opportunities, and anticipated costs and savings.

• Solar projects under the new program may base capacity estimates on projected future electricity uses including electric vehicle charging stations, adjacent government property electricity provision, heating and cooling systems, and food service or water provision equipment.