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Bill

SB 885

AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROMOTION OF HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar

Connecticut bill to incentivize heat pump water heater adoption, reducing residential energy use and emissions while raising costs and facing gas industry resistance.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
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Bill Summary · SB 885

Legislative bill overview

SB 885 seeks to promote the adoption of heat pump water heaters in Connecticut through incentives, rebates, or regulatory measures. Heat pump water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional electric resistance or gas water heaters, using electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it directly. The bill aims to accelerate the transition toward cleaner heating technology as part of broader climate and energy efficiency goals.

Why is this important

Heat pump water heaters can reduce residential energy consumption by 50% or more compared to conventional systems, lowering utility bills for homeowners while reducing carbon emissions. Connecticut has established climate goals requiring significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, making residential heating electrification a key policy lever. However, water heater replacement decisions are typically made infrequently (every 10-15 years), so policy intervention is needed to shift market behavior during these replacement cycles.

Potential points of contention

  • Upfront cost burden: Heat pump water heaters carry substantially higher initial purchase and installation costs than gas or standard electric models, raising questions about who bears these costs and whether incentives are sufficient for lower-income households
  • Natural gas industry opposition: This represents a de facto shift away from gas heating, likely triggering pushback from utility companies and gas industry stakeholders concerned about market share erosion
  • Technical feasibility concerns: Heat pump water heaters perform less efficiently in cold climates and may require home retrofits (larger tanks, different plumbing), creating implementation challenges in Connecticut's winter conditions

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

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