Category: State News

Plan Will Increase Economy by $532 Million and Save Ratepayers Between $68 to $186 Million

#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that, as part of the package of proposals he will introduce later this month, he will sponsor legislation for a new residential solar incentive model designed to save ratepayers millions of dollars, create local jobs in the clean energy sector, and increase renewable energy in the state.

This legislation will create the Solar Home Renewable Energy Credit (SHREC) as a cost-effective solution to meet increasing homeowner demand for residential solar energy, continuing already significant growth in the sector.  A SHREC policy is projected to save Connecticut ratepayers from $68 to $168 million on Class I RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) policy costs over the life of the program, while supporting the creation of over 6,000 jobs and contributing $532 million to the state economy.

“We are making Connecticut greener, cleaner and more efficient than ever before, and we’re doing it by increasing private investment.  Our programs are showing that we can combat global warming, protect the environment, and create local jobs by encouraging green energy,” Governor Malloy said.  “We have seen incredible success with our Residential Solar Investment Program, and this new plan furthers our commitment to achieve our broader energy, environmental, and economic development goals.  It’s a major step forward.”

As residential solar is an essential element of the Governor’s clean energy agenda, the SHREC capitalizes upon the already successful measures of Connecticut’s Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP) – a policy passed in July of 2011 as part of a major clean energy bill that has rapidly exceeded expectations.

Similar in design of the current Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Credit/Low Emissions Renewable Energy Credit (ZREC/LREC) programs, the SHREC will partner the state’s electric utilities with Connecticut homeowners so that the utilities can purchase a 15-year stream of renewable energy credits (RECs) produced from the homeowners’ solar systems.  In turn, the SHREC would attract over a $1 billion of private investment in residential solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems in Connecticut, making solar PV more accessible and affordable to ratepayers throughout the state.

The Connecticut Green Bank, which administers the RSIP, provided the incentives leading to over 8,000 installations of residential PV systems across the state, effectively doubling the 2011 legislative target of 30MW by 2022 eight years ahead of schedule.  In addition to increasing the volume of residential solar projects, the RSIP has also reduced installed costs by 30%, decreased incentives by 70%, attracted $175 million in low-interest and long-term financing from local banks and credit unions, and increased investment in the market from $10 million in 2011 to over $160 million in 2014 making it the fastest growing market for residential solar PV in the region.

“Connecticut’s Residential Solar Investment Program has been extremely successful in attracting private investment in clean energy deployment in our state making solar PV more accessible and affordable than ever before,” said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank.  “The SHREC will allow us to continue deploying clean energy in our communities through local contractors who do the installations, local lenders who provide the capital, and customers who benefit from cleaner and cheaper energy.”

Although Connecticut, like most states, has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) directing utilities to secure renewable energy on behalf of ratepayers, only 5% of the electricity used to fulfill RPS is currently produced in-state.  The SHREC will help to address this problem by funding an RSIP that can continue to encourage local projects increasing economic development and job creation within Connecticut’s borders.

Commissioner Robert Klee of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said, “One major focus of Governor Malloy’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy is to increase the use of renewable energy in our state.  By offering another innovative financing technique to leverage the power of private capital, SHREC will bring down the cost of solar systems for homeowners and help us accomplish that important goal.”

The Governor’s initiatives will be included in his legislative package of proposals for the 2015 session of the General Assembly.

About the Connecticut Green Bank

The Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority was established by Connecticut’s General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80.  This new quasi-public agency, now known as the Connecticut Green Bank, superseded the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.  The Green Bank’s mission is to lead the green bank movement by accelerating private investment in clean energy deployment for Connecticut to achieve economic prosperity, create jobs, promote energy security and address climate change.  As the nation’s first full-scale green bank, the organization leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut.  For more information about Connecticut’s Green Bank, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com

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#HARTFORD, CT – Governor Dannel P. Malloy last week announced that, as part of the package of proposals he will introduce later this month, he will sponsor legislation designed to protect the victims of domestic violence.  This legislation will prohibit possession of firearms for anyone who becomes subject to a temporary restraining order, eliminating a critical window of time during which time a victim’s life could be at risk.
“We know that the period of time immediately following a domestic violence victim’s application for a restraining order is one of the most volatile, and access to a firearm in that situation presents an additional, outstanding threat,” said Governor Malloy.  “If a judge determines that a victim is in enough danger that they should be granted a temporary restraining order, that victim should not have to wait until they are fully protected.  This is a commonsense proposal already enacted in many states across our country, and will protect against needless tragedy.  It’s not a Democrat or Republican initiative – it is, simply, a logical one.”

Under current state law, after a temporary restraining order is issued, a hearing must occur before a judge can issue a permanent restraining order and prohibit firearm possession.  These hearings often come weeks after the temporary restraining order is issued.  The Governor’s proposal will require that individuals relinquish their firearms shortly after the judge’s temporary restraining order is issued, giving victims additional protection at this critical time.

“It is unconscionable that domestic violence puts so many lives — and so many women and children — at risk,” said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman.  “Victims must know that government and the courts will take seriously these threats of violence, and this proposal demonstrates the strength of our commitment to their protection.  I applaud Governor Malloy and the many legislators and advocates who have taken a stand to prevent domestic violence.”

“In instances where an individual’s safety is potentially at risk in their own home, we must make every effort we can to ensure that they are free from harm,” said State Senator Eric Coleman (D-Hartford), who serves as Senate chairman of the Judiciary Committee.  “This is a reasonable proposal that puts public safety first, and is a good example of Connecticut taking the lead on domestic violence prevention.”

State Representative William Tong (D-Stamford, Darien), who serves as House chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said, “This legislation is critical to protect families from domestic violence.  Families, particularly children, should not have to wait weeks for a court hearing when they are in any kind of danger because another person has access to a gun.  The gun can always be returned later to the rightful owner, but the bullet that could injure or kill someone cannot be unfired.” Continue reading GOV. MALLOY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION PROTECTING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

GOV. MALLOY ORDERS EXTENSION OF DMV DEADLINES FOR LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is ordering an extension of expiration dates for motor vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses due to the impending severe winter storm.

The Governor’s action covers expiration dates and periods of validity for motor vehicle registrations, licenses, permits, certificates and other forms of credentials issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and runs through January 30.  This also covers emissions test late fees.

“With the level of snow and wind that we are expecting, it is understandable that residents likely will not be able to meet certain DMV-related deadlines and expiration dates,” Governor Malloy said.  “We are ordering those expiration dates to be extended, giving those impacted the opportunity to satisfy their obligations after the storm passes.”

The extension period runs from January 24, when a snow storm shuttered DMV offices, tomidnight on Friday, January 30.  On January 31, all required late fees and penalties will resume.

The Department of Motor Vehicles also announced today that all knowledge and road skills tests for license applicants are canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday (January 27 and 28) due to storm conditions.  To reschedule a test:

·         Knowledge Test – Customers should wait for an e-mail from DMV regarding then cancelation, then visit http://ct.gov/dmv/qsc

, enter their personal identification number and then follow the instructions.

·         Road Test – Customers should call 860-263-5700 within the Hartford area and those outside the Hartford area can call toll-free at 800-842-8222. DMV will also be contacting customers with appointments.

With the impending storm predicted to bring heavy amounts of snow, drivers of commercial and passenger vehicles are reminded about the requirement to remove snow and ice from hoods, trunks and roofs or face fines and penalties.  Drivers are exempt from the fines when the snow, sleet and freezing rain begins or continues while the vehicle is traveling.  Parked vehicles are also exempt from the required removal of ice and snow.

Gobernador Dannel P. Malloy anunció hoy que está ordenando una extensión de las fechas de vencimiento para la matriculación de vehículos de motor y las licencias de conducir debido a la severa tormenta inminente invierno.

La acción del Gobernador cubre las fechas de vencimiento y períodos de validez de la matriculación de vehículos de motor, licencias, permisos, certificados y otras formas de credenciales expedidas por el Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados y se extenderá hasta el 30 de enero, que también cubre las emisiones de prueba cargos por pagos atrasados.

“Con el nivel de nieve y viento que estamos esperando, es comprensible que los residentes probablemente no será capaz de cumplir con ciertos plazos relacionados con el DMV y fechas de vencimiento”, dijo el gobernador Malloy. “Estamos pidiendo esas fechas de vencimiento que ampliarse, dando a los afectados la oportunidad de satisfacer sus obligaciones después de que pase la tormenta.”

El período de extensión se ejecuta desde el 24 de enero, cuando una tormenta de nieve cerró las oficinas del DMV, tomidnight el viernes 30 de enero El 31 de enero, todas las multas y sanciones requeridas se reanudarán.

El Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados también anunció hoy que todas las pruebas de conocimientos y habilidades de la carretera para los solicitantes de licencias se cancelan para el martes y el miércoles (27 de enero y 28), debido a las condiciones de tormenta. Para reprogramar una prueba:

· Prueba de Conocimiento – Los clientes deben esperar a que un correo electrónico del DMV en relación luego de cancelación, a continuación, visite http://ct.gov/dmv/qsc

, Introduzca su número de identificación personal y siga las instrucciones.

· Prueba de Ruta – Los clientes deben llamar al 860-263-5700 en el área de Hartford y los que están fuera del área de Hartford pueden llamar al número gratuito 800-842-8222. El DMV también pondrá en contacto a los clientes con las citas.

Con la inminente tormenta predijo traer grandes cantidades de nieve, los conductores de vehículos comerciales y de pasajeros se les recuerda acerca de la necesidad de quitar la nieve y el hielo de capuchas, troncos y techos o enfrentar multas y sanciones. Los conductores están exentos de las multas cuando la nieve, aguanieve y lluvia helada comienza o continúa mientras el vehículo está viajando. Los vehículos estacionados también están exentos de la eliminación requerida de hielo y nieve.

GOV. MALLOY DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY; TRAVEL BAN IN EFFECT BEGINNING AT 9PM

Will Provide an Update to the Public at 5:02 p.m. Today

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the coming blizzard, which is anticipated to heavily impact the state tonight through Tuesday.  In addition, the Governor announced that a travel ban for all roads is in effect beginning at 9:00 p.m. tonight.

“People need to take this storm seriously,” said Governor Malloy.  “If current predictions are accurate, we will need people to stay off the roads so that emergency personnel and utility crews can get to the places they need to get to, and to make sure that our plows can keep critical roadways clear.”

The Governor will update the public at 5:02 p.m. this evening on the impending storm from the state Emergency Operations Center in Hartford.  The Governor is also encouraging people to monitor the media for up-to-date information on the storm.

Gobernador Dannel P. Malloy ha declarado un estado de emergencia en preparación para la venida ventisca, que se prevé un fuerte impacto el estado esta noche hasta el martes. Además, el Gobernador anunció que la prohibición de viajar por todos los caminos es, en efecto, a partir de las 21:00 de esta noche.

“La gente tiene que tomar esta tormenta en serio”, dijo el gobernador Malloy. “Si las predicciones actuales son correctas, tendremos que la gente a permanecer fuera de las carreteras para que el personal de emergencia y los equipos de servicios públicos pueden llegar a los lugares que necesitan para llegar a, y para asegurarse de que nuestros arados pueden mantener los caminos críticos claro.”

El Gobernador se actualizará al público a las 5:02 horas de esta noche en la tormenta inminente por parte del Estado Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia en Hartford. El Gobernador también está animando a la gente a controlar los medios de comunicación para obtener información actualizada sobre la tormenta.