Connecticut has finalized interconnection rules and procedures for all distributed generation (DG) technologies up to 25 MW for regulated electric utilities. The two utilities responsible for the distribution of power throughout most of Connecticut – Connecticut Power and Light Company (CL&P) and United Illuminating Company (UI) – developed new interconnection standards for DG; these standards were approved by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control in April 2004.

Under Connecticut's interconnection rules, there are five categories of DG systems, based on capacity. CL&P and UI must complete a review of applications for small DG (10 kW and less) interconnection projects within 20 business days. The application processing time increases as DG project capacity increases. The system size breakpoints for technical and procedural requirements are 10 kW, 100 kW, 1 MW and 5 MW. The new rules also address fees, other agreements, disconnection, insurance requirements and technical requirements. The 58-page interconnection rules include standard application and agreement forms. The rules spell out a screening process similar to that used in other states. For systems up to 10 kW, there is a separate, simplified application and agreement form.

Local Option for Property Tax Exemption
The state of Connecticut allows municipalities the option of offering property tax exemptions for certain renewable energy systems including wind turbines. Adoption of this exemption varies from one municipality to another. The exemption, which applies to wind facilities that begin operating on or after July 1, 1998 and are used in residential applications, may apply to the total value of the equipment. Contact your local tax assessor's office for more information.

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF is the state's public benefits fund. Created in 1998 as part of legislation deregulating Connecticut's electric utility industry, the Fund is financed by a surcharge levied against the state's electrical ratepayers and administered by Connecticut Innovations, Inc., a quasi-public agency of the State of Connecticut.

While CCEF currently has no Requests for Proposals (RFP) specifically targeting small wind turbine installations, the Fund does accept proposals for demonstration projects including wind technology. CCEF plans to announce a Distributed Generation Program by late 2005, which is expected to include funding for small wind energy systems.

CCEF funding is not anticipated to cover the entire cost of the project. Co-funding from participants to lower the amount of funding needed and/or create payback opportunities are required components of the successful proposal. The application is a multi-stage process.

We are unaware of any utility-specific incentives for wind energy development in Connecticut.

Prepared by TrueWind Solutions, LLC, the New England Wind Resource Map is a resource for the New England area. This map update project was sponsored by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, Northeast Utilities Systems, and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust.

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state. The map for Connecticut can be found here. You may also find the definitions of Wind Power Classes for the maps helpful. You may also find useful information at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This site contains extensive information about wind resources in the United States.

There is additional information in the Wind Energy Atlas of the United States, where you can review maps for other locations in the US or get more information about how the maps were created.

An electronic copy of the U.S. Department of Energy's 23-page Consumer’s Guide to Small Wind Electric Systems is available at the Wind Powering America web site.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. Another item of interest is the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s web site on wind energy projects and wind energy events/news occurring through out the country.

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) maintains a searchable database called the Sustainable Yellow Pages where you can search for wind energy professionals.

The United Illuminating Company
Mike Zaffina
Customer Operations- Generator Interconnection
801 Bridgeport Ave.
Shelton, CT 06484
Phone: (203) 926-4615
E-mail: mike.zaffina@uinet.com

Connecticut Light & Power
Generator Interconnections Asset Strategy
NU East 2
P. O. Box 270
Hartford, CT 06141-0270
Phone: (860) 665-2129
E-mail: interconnections@nu.com

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund
Charlie Moret
999 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone: (860) 563-0015
Fax: (860) 563-4877
E-Mail: charlie.moret@ctinnovations.com
Web site: http://www.ctcleanenergy.com

Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control
Mark Quinlan
Ten Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: (860) 827-2691
Phone 2: (860) 827-1553
Fax: (860) 827-2613
E-Mail: mark.quinlan@po.state.ct.us
Web site: http://www.state.ct.us/dpuc/  

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) has information on energy deregulation and renewable energy.

SMARTPOWER, based in Hartford, CT, is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes clean, non-polluting renewable energy as a way to improve the quality of health and life for our community.

People’s Action for Clean Energy, Inc (PACE) is the largest totally volunteer organization working for energy efficiency, conservation, and benign renewable energy in Connecticut. 

Connecticut Green Building Council - The Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC) was formed in 2001 as a non-profit 501(c3) organization with the goal to help educate about the design and construction of high performance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and provide a safer and healthier place to work and live.

Last Updated: April 2005

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