Current Cases
Reasonable Submetering Regulations for Clean, On-Site Generation
In a PURA docket investigating regulations for submetering, CFE advocates to allow owners of clean distributed generation facilities, such as rooftop solar panels, to keep all energy charges they collect from their tenants. Electric companies often see distributed generation of clean energy as a threat because it allows ratepayers to go off the grid. They argue facility owners should pay certain charges back to the electric companies. Imposing charges on clean distributed generation facilities presents an economic barrier and discourages investment in these valuable energy technologies. Read our submitted comments.
CFE Fights to Close Outdated Dirty Coal Plant in Bridgeport Neighborhood
CFE, working with a coalition of community groups, is fighting to close Bridgeport Harbor, the 40-year-old coal burning power plant that is polluting Bridgeport.
Current Status: CFE is in discussions with Bridgeport and PSE&G on future uses of the site that do not involve burning coal.
CFE Repeatedly Protects State Environmental Laws
Each year in the state legislature, powerful and connected interests seek to roll back environmental laws and rights of the public to challenge environmentally-destructive projects. This year is no exception, with a coalition of developers, retailers, and large firm attorneys seeking to require that unsuccessful environmental interveners pay their attorneys' fees.
CFE is working with a broad coalition of environmental organizations to protect our laws and rights of citizens to speak up for the environment. Read our op-ed.
Past Cases [top]
CFE Compels Reductions from Old Oil Burning Power Plant to Clean Air in New Haven
In 2010, PSE&G sought to site new turbines in the New Haven Harbor on a site that houses an old, dirty, oil burning power plant, an oil terminal, and diesel spewing ships and machinery.
CFE worked with local groups to successfully oppose the siting of the plant, which would have been on a site with some of the unhealthiest air in the nation. After negotiations with the company and DEEP, CFE reached an agreement where the company would reduce emissions from its old oil burning plant to offset any new emissions. It was also agreed that PSE&G would dedicate $500,000 to cleaning the air in the neighborhood. Read the Connecticut Law Tribune article.
CFE Stops Dirty Diesel Pollution
In 2008, CFE intervened as a full legal party in DEP proceedings in a proposed general permit that would have allowed dirty diesel emergency generators to operate without appropriate controls to protect health. CFE argued that the issuance of the permit would lead to measurably increased instances of asthma attacks, heart attacks, and premature deaths, particularly among sensitive populations. As a result, DEP agreed to require controls that would reduce emissions from the generators by more than 85 percent and will mitigate health impacts described above.
CFE Settlement Helps Reduce of Unhealthy Dirty Diesel Fuel by Hospital and Power Plant
As a result of a settlement with CFE in 2007, the Hospital of Saint Raphael is being required to burn natural gas instead of dirty fuel oil from at least April through August each year, reducing emissions of diesel soot and other pollutants by more than 15 tons a year.
Additionally, another power plant in Wallingford agreed with CFE to modify their permit to require them to burn cleaner natural gas and only use the dirtier fuel oil in an emergency, such as the unavailability of natural gas.
Submitted Comments [top]
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PURA Investigation of Electric Submetering (May 30, 2014)
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CT Environmental Protection Act Op-Ed (April 4, 2011)