Connecticut’s Final Comprehensive Energy Strategy On the Right Path to Customer Savings and a Thriving Economy

Hartford, CT -- The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released the final version of the Connecticut Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES) today which details increased electric vehicle infrastructure, rapid expansion of renewable energy including solar and increased energy efficiency investments.

The strategy goes on to state that increased energy efficiency investments in conjunction with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) have created 34,000 jobs, reduced carbon pollution by 262,511 tons each year and saved Connecticut residents more than $40 million annually between 2014 and 2017.

Analysis from the Governor’s Council on Climate Change showed that Connecticut needs to reach nearly 100 percent carbon free electricity, power virtually all vehicles with clean electricity, and transition most oil and gas heating to heat pumps by 2050. However, the report contends that faster deployment of those resources, with a more aggressive 2030 goal, would grow Connecticut’s economy and create more jobs.

In response Mark Kresowik, Eastern Region Deputy Director of the Sierra Club said:

"After the devastating cuts to clean energy jobs last fall, Connecticut now has the opportunity to become a leader in creating jobs and boosting the economy by protecting the climate and moving toward 100 percent clean energy. The final Comprehensive Energy Strategy proposes important changes to increase investment in renewable energy, including wind and solar power, accelerate electric vehicles that improve air quality and public health, and encourage more efficient ways to heat and cool our buildings.  Legislators should act quickly to set the recommended goals of a 45 percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2030 and even more than 40 percent clean, renewable energy by 2030 and enable all families and businesses to fully benefit from rooftop solar."