Electricity in Connecticut

Electricity choices

You can't buy electricity in a store, but as a consumer you do have choices! You can support clean and renewable energy, choose your electric supplier, reduce your use with energy-efficient options, and even install solar and other renewable generation technologies at your home or business.

Why is electricity more expensive in Connecticut than in other states?

• Siting of new infrastructure is difficult due to challenging geography and densely populated communities.
• As the electric system ages, significant investments will continue to be made to maintain and strengthen its reliability.
• Renewable energy remains costly to develop and deliver.
• With few in-state resources, access to abundant and cleaner generation, like natural gas and Canadian hydro, requires new delivery systems to meet rising demand.
• Wide variations in seasonal temperatures create large spikes in demand.
• Connecticut has a high standard for environmental protection, safety and governance.

Connecticut's goals for renewables

Connecticut's Renewable Portfolio Standard requires that 20% of the state's electricity must be generated from renewable energy resources by 2020. Just 3% of Connecticut's net electricity generation came from renewable energy in 2013.

Transforming the Nation's electric grid

A microgrid is a system that blends localized power with power from utilities. It reduces the demand for power from far away power plants such as large-scale coal or gas-fired power plants, and adds power from local sources, which could be solar, fuel cells, biomass, wind, or combined heat and power. Not only does this reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it also provides security in the event of an outage and strengthens the grid's resilience.

Connecticut has provided funding for microgrid projects in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, Storrs, Windham, and Woodbridge.

Did you know that the state has a progressive energy strategy?

Developed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) with input from state agencies, stakeholder groups and hundreds of Connecticut citizens, the Comprehensive Energy Strategy gives the state a systematic basis for addressing energy opportunities and challenges.

At the heart of the Strategy are a series of policy proposals aimed at expanding energy choices, and lowering utility bills. Other priorities include improving environmental conditions, creating clean energy jobs, and enhancing the quality of life.

It offers recommendations in five major areas:

• Energy efficiency
• Industrial energy needs
• Electricity supply, including renewable power
• Natural gas
• Transportation

Building on recent successes, the Strategy sets ambitious goals designed to spur innovation. Key goals include:

• Expanding natural gas to 300,000 homes and businesses in the next seven years.
• Reducing emissions by 80% by 2050.
• Offering cost-effective energy efficiency options and programs that reach all sectors and all buildings.
• Providing citizens with cheaper, cleaner, more reliable electricity.