OLR Bill Analysis
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A WIND TURBINE PILOT PROGRAM AT A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.
The bill requires the Commissioner of Correction to apply for a grant from the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to enable her to conduct a pilot program to install and operate wind turbines at an appropriate correctional facility. The commissioner must select the facility after considering the (1) nature of the inmate population, (2) topography, (3) impact on the municipality where the correctional facility is located, and (4) the impact on local wildlife. Any energy produced by the wind turbines must be allocated to the correctional facility, and any excess energy must be allocated for the benefit of the municipality where the correctional facility is located.
The bill requires the commissioner to submit a report to the Judiciary, Environment, and Appropriations committees within one year after the wind turbines are operational. It must indicate:
1. the amount of energy the turbines produced;
2. the amount of energy costs savings;
3. an estimate of the energy benefit to the municipality where the correctional facility is located; and
4. a summary of feedback the commissioner received concerning the wind turbines.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009
BACKGROUND
DPUC Grant Program
The law requires the DPUC, in consultation with the Renewable Energy Investments Advisory Board and the Office of Policy and Management, to establish a grant program for clean and distributive generation projects, generated from a Class I renewable energy source, for businesses and state buildings.
The law requires DPUC to award:
1. up to $ 25,000,000 to fuel cell projects, and
2. up to $ 25,000,000 for all other clean and distributive generation projects (CGS § 16a-38n).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Judiciary Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea |
42 |
Nay |
0 |
(04/03/2009) |