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HB 5932

AN ACT CONCERNING LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark DeCaprio

Requires Connecticut legislature to approve individual components of the Combined Public Benefits Charge rather than allowing administrative adjustment of electricity bill surcharges.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
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Bill Summary · HB 5932

Legislative bill overview

HB 5932 would require legislative approval for individual components of Connecticut's Combined Public Benefits Charge (CPBC), a surcharge on electricity bills that funds energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other public benefit programs. Currently, these charges are adjusted administratively without explicit legislative authorization for each component. The bill seeks to shift this authority from regulatory agencies to the state legislature.

Why is this important

The CPBC represents a significant portion of many Connecticut ratepayers' electricity bills, making it a consequential policy lever for energy spending priorities. This change would give elected representatives direct control over how public benefit funds are allocated, but could slow the system's responsiveness to changing energy needs or create legislative bottlenecks during budget negotiations.

Potential points of contention

  • Pace of implementation: Requiring legislative approval for each component may slow necessary program adjustments and create delays in funding critical energy initiatives during legislative off-seasons
  • Regulatory expertise vs. democratic accountability: Administrative agencies have technical expertise in energy policy, while legislatures provide democratic oversight—the bill trades efficiency for accountability
  • Rate stability: More frequent legislative intervention could create uncertainty for utilities and ratepayers regarding electricity cost projections and program continuity

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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