This legislative session, lawmakers must pass a strong solar bill to protect Connecticut families and communities from the growing energy affordability crisis. Connecticut’s reliance on fossil fuels has long been a cause of our high energy prices, poor air quality and energy reliability concer ns. Energy bills have been going up and up and will likely rise even more dramatically due to the energy crisis created by the Iran War. The time for lawmakers to act urgently to reduce our reliance on volatile and costly fossil fuels is now. Solar power is uniquely positioned to meet this moment, if state lawmakers let it. Solar is readily available and quick to install. It can deliver results in weeks or months rather than years. And the public wants it. The demand for more solar is high as families, businesses and communities seek to generate their own power and cut their electricity bill. With more solar, energy bills are lower for everyone, not just those who install it. Solar and non-solar households both save money as solar reduces overall grid demand during high-cost peak hours and lowers the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. In 2024, solar power significantly reduced strain on the New England power grid. Photovoltaic systems installed “behind the meter,” meaning they generate electricity on-site rather than feeding directly into the grid, cut overall grid demand by about 5%. Reducing demand on the grid — especially during heat waves and high demand times — translates to lower costs. For example, during just one day in June 2025, solar saved the grid at least $8.2 million– and potentially more than twice that sum. Connecticut has significant capacity for solar, but state policy must ensure continued access to the state’s proven solar programs. A meaningful solar bill must: Reject caps on residential solar: Oppose proposals that would cap residential solar —an unprecedented move in Connecticut that would limit residents’ right to generate their own power.  Reauthorize existing programs: Reauthorize existing programs to prevent them from expiring and ensure continued access to cost-saving solar for households, businesses and communities. Enable plug-in solar:  Create a pathway for affordable, portable solar options that don’t require rooftop installation, expanding access and cost savings for more residents. Expand access through new and pilot programs:  Support initiatives that bring solar and battery storage for extended use of that solar power  to more communities across the state. Yet, we also know that expanding solar threatens utility and fossil fuel corporations. We urge our state lawmakers to put people over corporate profits. Pass a strong solar bill that lowers costs and empowers Connecticut residents to take charge of their energy future. Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut; Tom Swan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group; Charles Rothenberger of Save the Sound; Mark Scully, President of People’s Action for Clean Energy; Lori Brown, Executive Director of the CT League of Conservation Voters. ...read more read less