DEEP Seeks Innovative Proposals for Energy Efficiency Investment to Lower Ratepayer Costs and Improve Grid Resilience

Press Releases 10/01/2025 DEEP Seeks Innovative Proposals for Energy Efficiency Investment to Lower Ratepayer Costs and Improve Grid Resilience Request for Proposals (RFP) Seeks Low-Cost Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Offerings Across Connecticut (HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has issued a Final Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking bids for electric and natural gas energy efficiency and demand response measures to improve grid resilience and lower costs for customers. Proposals may offer, but are not limited to, upgrades to make buildings and systems more efficient, such as insulation, heating and cooling system upgrades, building energy management systems, and smart devices. The RFP encourages performance contracting where a customer's energy bill savings would exceed their costs for completing the energy upgrades. By reducing and better managing energy demand, proposals have the potential to drive down electricity and natural gas costs for all Connecticut ratepayers. Not only does reducing energy waste lower the amount of energy that Connecticut ratepayers have to purchase each year, but it also reduces strain on the electric grid, helping to avoid costly upgrades to poles and wires. Only proposals that will provide savings for all ratepayers will be deemed cost-effective and eligible for award by DEEP. This RFP builds upon Connecticut's two decades of national leadership in energy efficient programs. Current state programs guided by the Energy Efficiency Board and overseen by DEEP under the brand name Energize CT help to support over 35,000 local energy efficiency jobs and are delivering electric energy savings at half the cost of purchasing electricity. Existing state programs have, in recent years, experienced high customer demand which suggests that additional annual energy savings may be readily available. Innovative program designs put forward under this RFP may help to unlock these savings for all ratepayers. All proposals submitted in response to DEEP's RFP are required to be complementary and incremental to the existing state efficiency programs in order to give Connecticut consumers more ways to save. Any selected bidders will be directed to negotiate with the electric and/or natural gas distribution companies to draft agreements. These draft agreements will then be submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for review and a final decision. DEEP may select one or more proposals or no proposals at all. "Energy efficiency is one of the most readily-available tools we can utilize to help lower energy bills, and we're looking at ways to build on our existing energy efficiency offerings to help residents and businesses save money," Governor Ned Lamont said. "Less waste, and less grid usage means more savings for everyone." "DEEP looks forward to reviewing proposals to this RFP," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "We believe the market can help unlock innovative, low-cost approaches to reduce energy waste and lower energy costs for everyone." Go here to view the RFP: DEEP Energy Filing Form Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook Contact DEEP Communications [email protected] 860-424-3110 Twitter Facebook Email Print