Community Solar Projects Continue to Grow in CT. The Aim Is to Bring Down Rising Energy Costs

Stephen Underwood, Dec. 22, Hartford Courant

As energy bills continue to provide sticker shock for many Connecticut residents, some are seeing solar credits being applied to their billing statements without even having any solar panels attached to their homes.

Connecticut’s Shared Clean Energy Facilities Program allows residents to reap the benefits of solar who are not eligible to install solar panels themselves, according to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The idea is to add 260 megawatts of locally generated, renewable and low carbon energy to the electric grid over the next eight years through large scale solar projects. Both of the state’s largest energy suppliers, Eversource and United Illuminating, participate in the program.

The SCEF program, which was created in 2018, is now starting to expand across the state. The program is administered by DEEP and overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The program utilizes a community solar model with subscribers receiving monthly bill credits for up to 20 years, reducing energy costs at no expense to participants. The program was started to help low-to-moderate income residents and businesses receive solar who may not be able to install panels for various reasons.

“Most eligible customers will automatically qualify for a subscription without needing to apply. We’ll let you know if you’re one of these customers and are selected to receive a SCEF subscription. A small number of subscriptions will be available for voluntary enrollment. Only customers that meet income requirements or who otherwise may not be able to install a clean energy generation at their home or business are eligible to apply,” an Eversource spokesperson said in a statement.

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