Governor Vetoes Energy Bill

Governor Rell has vetoed a proposed energy bill. Supporters of the bill say it would have lowered the state’s electricity rates and developed new ways to fund renewable energy and energy efficiency. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen reports

The bill was backed by a large coalition of environmental and consumer groups, such as the Sierra Club and the AARP. It covered a lot of ground, including reorganizing the Department of Public Utility Control with a mandate to lower electric rates by 15%. Connecticut’s electric rates are among the highest in the country. But Governor Rell says the rates in Connecticut are stable something she says this bill would not accomplish.

“Stability is one thing that should reign supreme in this because you don’t want these high fluctuations. And I don’t think that this bill addressed that sufficiently.”

The Governor says the bill was introduced late in the session and should have had a public hearing.

Besides addressing electric rates, the bill would have also required the utilities to purchase a certain amount of electricity generated by the sun. Christopher Phelps from Environment Connecticut says by vetoing the bill the Governor has turned her back on renewable energy.

“The Governor stood with big energy companies instead of with families and businesses in Connecticut, who supported this legislation because it would move Connecticut towards both a cleaner and a more efficient, and a more affordable for that matter, energy future.”

Phelps is calling on lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto.

For WNPR, I'm Nancy Cohen.