Statement on Revised RFP for CT’s Zero Carbon Energy Procurement

State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme), co-chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, released the following statement regarding the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) finalized request for proposals (RFP) for the state’s zero carbon energy procurement.

The revised RFP released today makes modifications to the initial draft in response to concerns raised by a group of bipartisan lawmakers and Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) regarding language defining an “at risk time period” for bidders.

“I appreciate the consideration DEEP put into modifying this RFP to take into account the concerns raised by lawmakers and act in the best interest of Connecticut ratepayers,” said Formica. “This revised RFP will allow Dominion, owner of Millstone Power Station, an opportunity to prove to regulators their at risk status. I am glad that the RFP no longer precludes a bidder from being considered at risk simply because of an obligation to the Forward Capacity Market. I also appreciate that the RFP allows other resources to be selected as diverse portfolio measures which will further help our state build a bridge to a renewable energy future.

“Over the last few years lawmakers have worked hard in a bipartisan effort to protect ratepayers from the devastation that would be caused by a premature closure of Millstone. The intent of lawmakers was always to allow Millstone a fair opportunity to compete in the state’s energy market in the short term as we work toward developing renewable energy resources for the long term. A premature closure of Millstone would put residents and businesses in danger of skyrocketing energy costs, grid unreliability, increases in greenhouse gas emissions, job losses and chaos throughout the energy market. I am hopeful that this revised RFP will provide Millstone with a fair opportunity to compete so they can remain operating. I also applaud the balance reflected in this RFP to help the state work toward building a diverse portfolio in renewable energy.”