Connecticut

Summary: Approved in 2007, Connecticut’s interconnection standard applies to distributed generation, including CHP, up to 20MW in size. This standard pertains to the two investor-owned utilities in the state, and separates distributed generation into three distinct tiers based upon system size. These tiers mirror those of FERC’s interconnection standards, upon which Connecticut’s standards are closely based.

Links:

• For an overview of Connecticut’s standards, please visit DSIRE
• To read the text of the statute, please click here: Legislation
• Please visit the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control’s Electric Unit page for links to additional information about regulations and incentives applicable to distributed generation.
• FERC’s interconnection standards can be viewed here: FERC Order 2006

Contact:

Mark Quinlan
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control
Ten Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 827-2691
Phone 2: (860) 827-1553
Fax: (860) 827-2613
E-Mail: mark.quinlan@po.state.ct.us
Web site: http://www.state.ct.us/dpuc

Back to Top

Description: Connecticut provides a property tax exemption for "Class I" renewable energy systems and hydropower facilities that generate electricity for private residential use. Connecticut municipalities are authorized, but not required, to offer a property tax exemption for qualifying CHP systems.  

Links:

• For more details on this CHP tax incentive, visit the DSIRE database.

Contact:
Public Information
Connecticut Office of Policy and Management
Policy Development and Planning Division
450 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106-1379
Phone: (860) 418-6200
Phone 2: (800) 286-2214
Fax: (860) 418-6487
E-Mail: OPMwebmaster@po.state.ct.us
Web Site: http://www.opm.state.ct.us


Back to Top

Description: Long-term financing is available to retail end-use customers for the installation of customer-side distributed resources. This program took effect in March 2006. The maximum total amount of financing for projects under this program is $150 million. Capital costs and project-development costs are eligible. Interest rates are fixed and will be determined at the time the application is approved. New systems between 50 kW and 65 MW are eligible.

Links:

• For more details on this state loan program, visit the DSIRE database.

Contact:
Maureen Hoffman
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 827-2811
Fax: (860) 827-2613
E-Mail: maureen.hoffman@po.state.ct.us
Web Site: http://www.state.ct.us/dpuc


Back to Top

Summary: CL&P’s Rate 985 is less favorable to CHP than other rates because there is a large demand charge and a potential 12-month ratchet. UIC’s CPUCA 462 is more favorable to CHP because there is a moderate demand charge accompanied by a high energy charge, with no ratchet in place.

Links:

• Connecticut Light & Power Company’s Rate 985
• United Illuminating Company’s CPUCA 462

Back to Top

Description: As part of Connecticut’s 1998 Renewable Portfolio Standard, CHP is classified as a qualifying renewable-energy resource provided it has a minimum operating efficiency of at least 50%. Connecticut established a tiered structure for its RPS. CHP is part of “Class III” resources, which are supposed to comprise 4% of the state’s total output by 2010. CHP projects, then, are eligible to be Energy Independence Projects.

Links:

• Authority 1: Connecticut General Statute § 16-245a et seq.
• Authority 2: Public Act No. 07-242, Sec. 40-44
• Visit the DSIRE database for greater detail on this policy.

Contact:
Ginger Teubner
Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 827-2630
Fax: (860) 827-2613
E-Mail: ginger.teubner@po.state.ct.us
Web site: http://www.state.ct.us/dpuc

Back to Top

Summary: Section 42 regulates nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide from individual distributed generators smaller than 15 MW. This regulation explicitly includes CHP. Provided a CHP system meets minimum efficiency requirements, it can be eligible for credits against its emissions based upon a calculation of the system’s avoided energy consumption.

Links:

• Connecticut’s Section 42 can be read in its entirety here: Regulations
• The EPA’s Output-Based Regulations page is instructive.

Contact:

New Source Review Sections
Bureau of Air Management
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
(860) 424-4152

Last Updated 08/26/2009

Back to Top

Was this information helpful? Click here to give us your feedback.