Sign Up
SB 1292 Connecticut Senate · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT REQUIRING A STUDY CONCERNING ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DATA CENTERS.

SB 1292 requires Connecticut's energy agency to study energy efficiency standards for data centers that power artificial intelligence systems. The study will examine best practices for reducing energy use, renewable energy adoption, participation in grid management programs during peak demand, and restrictions on diesel backup generators. The agency must submit a report to the legislature by February 1, 2026. This bill does not impose new requirements on data centers but sets the stage for future policy decisions based on the findings.
Issues: ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates study on AI data center energy efficiency, renewable adoption, and grid management, promoting future standards for reduced energy use and clean energy integration.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates study on AI data center energy efficiency, promoting renewables and reduced energy use, aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 13, 2025 Last action Apr 7, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → ET Joint Favorable Substitute · 6 edits
MODERATE
The bill was changed from a mandatory reporting and compliance requirement for AI data centers to a study request. The original version required data centers to submit detailed energy and water usage reports starting in 2026 and establish a public database by 2027. The new version asks the state to study best practices and efficiency standards before implementing any requirements.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed from immediate regulatory requirements to a preliminary study. The original version applied directly to all AI data centers meeting a one-megawatt energy threshold. The new version does not yet establish any requirements or thresholds.
REQUIREMENT

Removed mandatory reporting requirements for AI data centers that were to begin July 1, 2026.

Removed the requirement to create a public website clearinghouse for energy and water usage data by January 1, 2027.

Added a requirement for the Commissioner of Energy to conduct a study on energy efficiency standards for AI data centers and submit a report by February 1, 2026.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date from October 1, 2025 to 'from passage' for the new study requirement.

DEFINITION

Removed detailed definitions for terms like 'artificial intelligence data center,' 'energy reuse factor,' 'power usage effectiveness,' and 'water usage effectiveness' that were needed to enforce the original reporting requirements.

ENFORCEMENT

Removed the provision that exempted reported data from confidentiality protections under state law.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Mar 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
upper
Feb 13, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.