CT HB06929

Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection must establish a grant and loan program to support development of thermal energy network projects, effective October 1, 2025

Eligible recipients include local and regional governments, municipal corporations, regional councils of governments, public authorities, state and federally recognized tribes, electric distribution companies, municipal electric utilities, energy improvement districts, and nonprofit, academic, and private entities

Grants and loans may fund community planning and feasibility studies, design and engineering services, infrastructure costs, and nonfederal cost share for federal grant applications

Thermal energy networks are defined as utility-scale distribution infrastructure that supplies heating and cooling through piped noncombustible fluids, including geothermal energy systems

Grant and loan recipients must submit annual reports for three years to PURA, Office of Consumer Counsel, DEEP Commissioner, and the General Assembly's energy and technology committee on project status