Malloy receives lukewarm response for energy bill

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s energy and climate agenda garnered only lukewarm support Thursday as a key committee approved the legislation while demanding major changes to accommodate environmentalists and other interests.

“The bill passed by committee will help further Connecticut’s goals of increasing accessibility of residential rooftop solar, redoubling our commitment to renewable energy, and combatting the effects of a changing climate,” Malloy said following the vote.

Despite the governor’s enthusiasm, many members on the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee were less than enthusiastic as they voted to move the bill out of committee so more work could be done on the legislation.

Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-Westport, a usually reliable ally for Malloy on environmental issues, said he has major reservations about portions of the bill.

“The original bill brought to us by (the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) is so far from where we are,” Steinberg said.

“Some of the things that have worked well for Connecticut and the jobs we have created — we are putting at great risk if we embrace DEEP’s change at this point,” Steinberg said.

While portions of the governor’s legislation — reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent, for example — are supported by lawmakers, other sections are not. At stake is the complicated question of how to keep electric companies from losing big money as solar arrays and rooftop installations bite into their business.

Malloy’s plan would replace the current net metering system for solar energy to a flat rate. Under the net metering system, homeowners and businesses receive a credit on their electric bill for the solar power produced, which supporters say results in savings.

Emma Cape, campaign policy manager for Sunrun Inc, a residential solar provider with an office in Hartford, said Malloy’s bill would “kill” Connecticut’s rooftop solar industry, which she said employs thousands of people.

“The solar community in my district is important and we have to be careful where we tread,” said state Rep. Chris Perone, D-Norwalk.

“I don’t think this bill is ready for prime time yet. I will be moving it along but plan to not support it if there are not changes amenable to folks impacted the most,” Perone said.

A bill opposed by utility companies to expand shared community solar arrays easily passed the committee.

The bill expands the state’s allowable amount of shared solar energy to 300 megawatts, from a sixmegawatt limit under a pilot program offered by the state.

Shared solar involves erecting large arrays capable of powering entire neighborhoods or condominium developments.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s energy agenda gained a small measure of momentum as a legislative committee passed a bill to bolster residential rooftop solar power, as seen in these panels on the roof of a church in Newtown.