State Representatives David Arconti (D-Danbury) and Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) hailed final passage of An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Energy Future, setting the state on a path to energy efficiency while opening up the marketplace for renewable energy sources.
“This is wide-ranging legislation in the best interests of the state, energy industry and the consumer,” said Rep. Arconti. “I fought hard to increase the state’s overall procurement of renewable energy contracts from 4% to 6%, which opens opportunities for Danbury-based FuelCell Energy. The company, a good partner with the state and city, is growing its business in Connecticut and worldwide with reliable and clean energy. This bill creates competitive opportunities in the state for FuelCell Energy.”
“The passage of this bill creates a more level playing field between the fuel cell industry and other clean energy sources,” Rep. Cook said. “Connecticut’s home-grown fuel cell industry helps us meet our clean energy goals, strengthens the electric grid, and benefits ratepayers. FuelCell Energy is an important job provider in Torrington, and this legislation ensures they can compete in the current market.”
In the last four clean energy solicitations conducted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), no fuel cell projects were selected. Reps. Arconti and Cook supported an amendment to the bill expanding the megawatts available in DEEP’s current clean energy procurement RFP to create room for fuel cell projects.
The bill passed the House early Wednesday morning, 100 to 45, and having been approved previously in the Senate, goes to the Governor for his signature.