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SB 316

AN ACT SEPARATING THE PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Anne Dauphinais and 2 co-sponsors

SB 316 creates independent Public Utilities Regulatory Authority separate from Connecticut's environmental agency to streamline utility rate-setting and oversight decisions.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Energy and Technology
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Bill Summary · SB 316

Legislative bill overview

SB 316 proposes separating Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), establishing it as an independent agency. This reorganization would create a standalone regulatory body specifically focused on utility oversight and rate-setting rather than operating as a division within a broader environmental department.

Why is this important

Utility regulation significantly affects electricity, natural gas, and water rates for Connecticut residents and businesses. How regulators are structured—whether independent or within a larger agency—influences their focus, priorities, and decision-making speed. This separation could alter how utility companies interact with regulators and how quickly rate cases are resolved.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory focus vs. environmental integration: Critics may argue that separating utilities from environmental protection could weaken consideration of climate and clean energy policies in rate decisions, while proponents contend independence improves efficiency
  • Administrative cost and duplication: Creating a new standalone agency requires startup costs and may duplicate administrative functions currently shared with DEEP
  • Political accountability: An independent PURA could be less subject to gubernatorial oversight, raising questions about whether regulators would be more or less responsive to public interest concerns

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

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