Connecticut PBF/ USF History, Legislation, Implementation
Legislation Cite and Date
HB 5005, PA 98-28 (4/98)
Low-Income Provisions
Imposes a systems benefits charge that could include funding for "electric service bill payment programs, funding and technical support for energy assistance, fuel bank and weatherization programs and weatherization services."
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Systems benefits charge includes, among other things, some of the two largest electric utilities' low-income assistance expenses including arrearages and write-offs of uncollectibles incurred by hardship customers and complying with the state’s consumer protection statutes.
Low-Income Conservation
The two largest electric utilities operate electric energy efficiency programs.
Annual Funding (2008)
Rate Assistance: $3.4 million (mandated electric heat arrearage forgiveness); $7.1 million (other electric)
Conservation: $7.2 million (electric); $1.6 million (gas)
Apart from the SBC, a gas arrearage forgiveness program has been mandated by statute for a number of years for households. During 2008, gas companies claimed about $12.5 million in expenses for this program.
Funding Mechanism
Rate assistance: Systems benefits charge on all electric distribution customers.
Conservation: Surcharge of 0.3 cents per kWh is assessed for energy conservation programs that include low-income.
Administration:
Utilities with oversight by Department of Public Utility Control
Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: Less than $700,000
More information:
Annual reports from the Connecticut Energy Conservation Management Board about energy efficiency programs, including low-income.
Connecticut Energy Efficient Fund website
Energy Conservation Management Board Documents
DPUC Decisions on Utility Programs
Page Last Updated: January 27, 2010
