Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

Crisco Co-Sponsors Bill to Lower Electricity Rates and Improve Efficiencies

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr. (D-Woodbridge) will co-sponsor a bill unanimously drafted by the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee meant to reduce electricity costs, promote renewable energy, and create financing options for energy efficiency improvements in Connecticut homes and businesses.

A comparable, comprehensive energy bill was passed by the General Assembly last year but was vetoed by then-Governor Rell. The 2011 version, An Act Concerning Energy Policy and Finance and dubbed ‘Senate Bill 1’ to underscore it’s importance, will be scheduled for a Public Hearing.

“The impetus for sweeping reform of energy policy has roots in both consumer protection and economic stimulus; this bill is the vehicle for across-the-board assurances of lower rates, access to energy produced with alternative and renewable fuels, and sustained growth in the energy sector of our state economy,” Senator Crisco said. “Market forces will play a large role in all this: if we can reduce consumption of fossil fuels the laws of supply and demand suggest prices will come down, and if we create a greater demand for alternative power sources, there will be greater incentive to move in that direction.”

Senator Crisco has said repeatedly that energy reform is one of his priorities and that a bill of this nature must be enacted if Connecticut is to become more business friendly.

“For Connecticut to remain competitive with neighboring states and others it must erase the high cost of heating and cooling from the equation for companies thinking of starting or expanding here,” Senator Crisco said. “If we can provide financial incentives for the installation of existing technologies, that are both more efficient and inexpensive, we can make the initial investment pay huge dividends.”

“In doing so we can fortify our state’s position as a leader in green technology and renewable energy sources as well,” Senator Crisco added.

Senator Crisco is serving his tenth term in the General Assembly. He is the Senate chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, and he was re-appointed vice-chair of both the Banking Committee and the Commerce Committee. Senator Crisco is also the Ranking Member of the Internship Committee and serves on the Legislative Management Committee.