State House, Senate Pass Bill Authorizing Regulator To Order Retail Suppliers To Pay Restitution To Customers

The Connecticut House and Senate have passed H.B. No. 7006 which empowers the Connecticut PURA to order retail electric suppliers to pay restitution to customers or to pay a combination of a fine and restitution

The bill has been sent to the governor.

PURA previously lacked authority to order restitution

Under the bill, PURA may direct a portion of any fine levied to be paid to a nonprofit agency engaged in energy assistance programs named by the Authority in its decision or notice of violation

The bill also provides that, not later than January 15, 2021, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall submit a report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy (1) evaluating whether Connecticut's reliance on the wholesale energy markets administered by the regional independent system operator, as defined in section 16-1 of 507 the general statutes, benefits Connecticut ratepayers, and (2) recommending alternative approaches to better meet Connecticut's need for clean, reliable and affordable electricity generation supply in a manner that leverages competition, reduces ratepayer risk and achieves the state's public policy goals, including, but not limited to, pursuant to section 22a-200a of the general statutes [related to GHG emissions].