State Economy
The population of the “Constitution State,” Connecticut is approximately 3.63 million people[1]. Connecticut is the 29th most populated state in the United States.
In 2022, Connecticut’s economy was ranked 23rd in the United States in gross domestic product (GDP)[2]. The state’s economy[3] is dependent on the financial services, insurance, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, and tourism industries.
Environmental Policies
In 1998, Connecticut[4] enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires all utilities sell 44% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
In 2008, Connecticut joined Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative[5], a market-based collaborative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Power Generation Capabilities
In January 2023, utilities[6] used natural gas (54.9%), nuclear energy (41.6%), and renewable energy (3.5%) to generate electricity in Connecticut. Solar, biomass, and hydropower are the dominant types of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Connecticut.
In January 2023, the average cost of residential electricity in the state was 30.24¢ per kWh, compared to the national average of 15.47¢ per kWh.
Recent renewable energy developments in Connecticut include:
- 804 MW Offshore Project – Spanish utility Iberdrola is continuing work on the Park City offshore wind project, which is located 23 miles south of the Massachusetts coast. Connecticut utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating have signed power purchase contracts with the offshore wind project, which is forecast to be commissioned in 2026.
- 704 MW Offshore Wind Project – Danish power company, Ørsted and Connecticut electric utility, Eversource are continuing work on the Revolution Wind project, which is located 32 miles southeast of the Connecticut coast. The project will provide 304 MW to the Connecticut grid and 400 MW to the Rhode Island grid. The project is forecast to be commissioned in 2025.
- 5 MW Agrivoltaic Project – Greenskies Clean Energy is continuing work on an agriculture and solar energy project at a site approximately 35 miles southwest of Hartford. The project is forecast to be commissioned by June 2023.
Conclusions
In 1995, Connecticut’s utilities used renewable energy to generate 1.1% of the state’s electricity[7]. In January 2023, Connecticut utilities used renewable energy to generate only 3.5% of the state’s electricity.
Connecticut has two major offshore wind farms, which are under construction. However, these two wind farms will only generate 5% to 10% of Connecticut’s electricity requirements.
Will Connecticut achieve its Renewable Portfolio Standard of selling 44% of their electricity from renewable energy within the next seven years (2030)? The harsh reality is the Constitution State’s renewable energy aspirations are just a fantasy!
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio, podcast, and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles on numerous energy issues.
[1] Connecticut 2022, World Population Review
[2] U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
[3] Biggest Industries in Connecticut – World Atlas
[4] National Conference of State Legislators – State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Goals, August 13, 2021
[5] Center for Climate and Energy Solutions – Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
[6] U.S. Energy Information Agency – Connecticut State Profile and Energy Estimates, www.eia.gov
[7] U.S. Energy Information Agency – Connecticut Profile and Energy Estimates, Electricity Power Consumption Estimates 1960-2018