Lucy Dathan

Governor Lamont has signed Public Act 26-127 into law, advancing several initiatives to make renewable energy, including solar power and battery storage, more accessible and affordable for homeowners, renters, and businesses across Connecticut.
 

The new law extends Connecticut's existing residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2035, ensuring these incentives remain available as energy demand grows and affordability continues to be a top concern for families and employers. These programs were previously set to expire in 2027, and their extension is especially important following the expiration of federal incentives for rooftop solar installations last year.

Public Act 26-127 also requires the development of successor renewable energy programs with clear cost controls, allowing Connecticut to continue expanding clean energy while protecting ratepayers from open-ended costs. The law prioritizes benefits for residents and communities facing higher energy burdens, expands support for battery storage to strengthen grid reliability, and streamlines residential solar and battery storage permitting while maintaining important safety standards.

In addition, the legislation encourages responsible solar development by prioritizing projects on rooftops, brownfields, municipal and state-owned buildings, and other commercial properties, helping preserve open space and agricultural land. It also directs the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to ensure the public benefits charge remains limited and that the overall impact of the law reduces costs for ratepayers.

Click here to learn more about Connecticut's renewable energy programs.