DEEP Seeks Broad Public Input on Development of Connecticut's Next Comprehensive Energy Strategy
Press Releases
09/17/2026
The strategy will focus on achieving more affordable, reliable, and clean energy for the state
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today issued a request for public comments from interested stakeholders and members of the public on the key strategic questions DEEP should examine in the state’s next Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES).
Under Section 16a-3d of the Connecticut General Statutes, DEEP is charged with preparing a CES to examine Connecticut’s future energy needs, consider policy strategies to meet those needs, and identify opportunities to reduce costs for ratepayers, ensure reliable energy, and mitigate the public health and environmental impacts of the state’s energy use, including greenhouse gas emissions and criteria air pollutants.
DEEP formally launched development of the state’s next CES in July. This CES will include assessments and recommendations for the power sector, as well as natural gas, delivered fuels (oil and propane), and transportation fuels (gasoline and diesel). The CES also will leverage the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), currently in development, which will provide robust modeling of the electric sector, including analyses of different scenarios and potential strategies for achieving an affordable and reliable electricity system.
“The Comprehensive Energy Strategy is a key building block for Connecticut energy policy recommendations and implementation,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “The DEEP team looks forward to hearing from our partners in the public and private sectors, as well as the general public, exploring the different ways that our state can improve energy affordability while supporting reliability and lower emissions.”
Building on prior CES proceedings, the next CES will focus on key energy challenges that Connecticut faces across all energy sources and sectors in the years ahead and will propose strategies for overcoming these challenges while building a more affordable, reliable, clean energy future for the state.
“Connecticut faces significant energy affordability pressures,” said Andy Frank, Deputy Commissioner for Energy at DEEP. “The Comprehensive Energy Strategy will face these challenges head on and recommend impactful strategies to make energy bills more affordable while continuing to ensure a safe, healthy, and clean Connecticut.”
DEEP’s request for written public comments, issued today, and its earlier notice of proceeding are the first steps in the development of the next CES. The request for public comments provides stakeholders with the opportunity to provide early feedback on the scope of this critical energy planning document. Comments are due to DEEP by 4:00 pm EDT on October 16, 2026. More details are included in the request for comments. Additional opportunities for public comments and engagement also will be provided in the coming months as DEEP develops the CES. For more information on the CES process and previous CES reports, see DEEP’s CES webpage here.
Pursuant to Public Act 26-121, DEEP is developing the CES in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture (DoAg), Economic and Community Development (DECD), Housing (DOH), and Transportation (DOT); Offices of Policy Management (OPM) and Consumer Council (OCC); the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA); and the Connecticut Green Bank. Leaders of these agencies provided the following statements in support of the CES request for public comments and development:
“Affordable, reliable energy is essential to economic growth and prosperity,” said DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe. “DECD is excited to work with DEEP and others on developing a Comprehensive Energy Strategy for Connecticut that bolsters our state’s economic competitiveness and helps meet the diverse energy and economic need of Connecticut's businesses in the years to come.”
“Connecticut puts affordability at the center of its energy strategy—helping families and businesses reduce their energy costs while strengthening our economy,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “The Green Bank’s role is to mobilize private investment alongside public resources to accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions that lower costs, create economic opportunity, and deliver measurable benefits to all ratepayers. We look forward to working with DEEP and our state partners through the Comprehensive Energy Strategy to identify practical, financeable solutions that make Connecticut’s energy system more affordable, reliable, and cleaner.”
“We’re grateful to CT DEEP for the chance to contribute to the state’s energy strategy,” said DoAg Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “This effort is about finding the right balance between meeting Connecticut’s energy needs and recognizing the essential role agriculture plays in our communities and economy. For farms operating on tight margins, energy affordability is a major part of keeping input costs manageable and supporting long-term stability. We look forward to continuing this work together and encourage broad public participation to help shape an energy future that supports both environmental stewardship and a strong agricultural sector.”
"Connecticut's energy future requires thoughtful planning and meaningful collaboration, and I applaud DEEP’s approach to developing the Comprehensive Energy Strategy,” said PURA Chairman Tom Wiehl. “The CES is an important framework that will examine the needs and consider the policies that will best ensure a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system. With robust public input, the CES will appropriately reflect the priorities of the people of Connecticut."
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100
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