Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16a-3v: Electric system efficiency goals. System load factor growth.

(a) For the purposes of this section, “system load factor” means the average load in megawatts on an electric distribution company's system divided by the peak load in megawatts on such system.

(b) To reduce structural inefficiencies in the electric transmission and distribution systems in the state and improve the affordability of electricity for ratepayers, it shall be the goal of the state to maximize the efficiency and utilization of such systems and to ensure that any programs funded by ratepayers are cost-effective and focused on affordability, reliability and decarbonization. To achieve the goals set forth in this section, the state shall seek to (1) improve electric system utilization by improving the system load factor, (2) analyze customer usage patterns and the efficacy of investments in electrification projects and grid-scale electricity storage projects, (3) develop and implement policies and incentives to encourage the dispatch of energy generated by distributed solar photovoltaic systems installed behind customer electric meters, and (4) study and report on methods to promote business growth in the state through electric load growing energy policies. The implementation of such goals shall be consistent with the emission reduction goals set forth in section 22a-200a.

(c) The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, through programs administered by the authority and the regulation of electric distribution companies in the state, may establish specific goals and metrics aligned with the electric system efficiency goal specified in subsection (b) of this section. Programs administered by the authority to meet such goal may include, but need not be limited to, incentives for the dispatch of energy generated by distributed solar photovoltaic systems installed behind customer electric meters for the purpose of increasing the system load factor. For any program implemented under this section, the benefits to ratepayers shall exceed the costs to ratepayers.

(d) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may establish specific goals and metrics aligned with the electric system efficiency goal specified in subsection (b) of this section through the approval of the Integrated Resources Plan pursuant to section 16a-3a, and may establish programs, within available appropriations and authority, to promote load factor growth. Such programs may include, but need not be limited to, investments in electrification projects and grid-scale electricity storage projects. For any program implemented under this section, the benefits to ratepayers shall exceed the costs to ratepayers.

(e) The commissioner shall allocate staff within the energy bureau of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the purpose of (1) analyzing customer usage patterns and the efficacy of investments in electrification projects and grid-scale electricity storage projects, (2) studying and reporting on methods to promote business growth in the state through electric load growing energy policies, and (3) long-term planning concerning the development of a more efficient, cost-effective electric system that actively aligns procurement, grid operations and customer usage behavior to reduce ratepayer costs and improve electric system efficiency.

(f) Not later than April 1, 2026, and annually thereafter through April 1, 2041, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, in coordination with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, shall report on (1) the annual load factor and daily load factors for the prior calendar year for each electric distribution company, (2) any policies and strategies adopted through an authority proceeding to promote the achievement of the system efficiency goal established in subsection (b) of this section, including the costs and benefits of any program implemented pursuant to this section, and (3) any cost-effective policies or programs the legislature may adopt to promote the achievement of such system efficiency goal. The commissioner may consult with, and request data from, the electric distribution companies to assist in the preparation of such report. The commissioner shall submit such report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters related to energy and technology.