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SB 647 Connecticut Senate · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING PROTECTIONS FOR CONSUMER ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY.

SB 647 establishes a systems benefits charge to fund energy affordability programs, directly affecting all electricity customers in Connecticut. The bill requires the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to set this annual charge (effective July 1, 2025), with funds directed to specific programs like Operation Fuel for energy assistance, hardship protection measures, low-income conservation initiatives, and energy efficiency programs. It replaces an older funding mechanism and specifies exact allocations, including $2.1 million annually for energy assistance (with $200,000 for administrative costs). The bill does not change electricity rates but redirects existing funding to support vulnerable households and energy programs.
Issues: ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates mandatory systems benefits charge on electricity customers to fund energy assistance, low-income programs, and efficiency initiatives, directly increasing state-funded support for essential services.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds energy affordability programs including efficiency initiatives and low-income conservation, directly supporting consumer access to affordable electricity through mandatory charge.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds low-income conservation and energy efficiency programs via systems benefits charge, directly advancing environmental protection through resource conservation.85% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Feb 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Proposed Bill → Committee Bill · 8 edits
MODERATE
The bill was substantially rewritten to shift from removing public benefits charges to establishing a new 'systems benefits charge' funded by the General Fund. The committee version expanded the charge's use to fund energy assistance, conservation programs, and worker protections, while adding detailed definitions for displaced worker costs and specific funding allocations.
Scope change
Changed from a bill that would eliminate charges and prohibit high-priced power purchases to one that creates a new charge system with expanded funding purposes and detailed definitions.
FISCAL

Replaced elimination of 'Combined Public Benefits Charge' with establishment of new 'systems benefits charge' paid by Treasurer from General Fund

Added $2.1 million annual transfer to Operation Fuel, Incorporated for energy assistance starting July 1, 2015

Expanded charge uses to include public education outreach, hardship protections, tax loss offsets, and various conservation programs

DEFINITION

Added detailed definition of 'displaced worker protection costs' covering severance, retraining, and benefits for workers affected by market restructuring

REQUIREMENT

Removed provisions prohibiting power purchase agreements exceeding 150% of wholesale price and eliminating electric vehicle rebate programs

Removed provision to study methods for increasing natural gas supply in the state

Added requirement for Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to hold contested case hearings to establish charge amounts

TIMELINE

Changed effective date from unspecified to July 1, 2025 for statute amendments

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
upper
Feb 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
DRAFTED BY COMMITTEE
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.