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From Notice: 

[ *** ] To facilitate the Authority’s evaluation of the RRES Program, the Authority requests that docket participants and interested stakeholders file written comments on or before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024, addressing the following: 

1. Rate setting Pursuant to the Interim Decision in Docket No. 20-07-01, the Authority intends to use this proceeding to set the RRES rates for calendar year 2025 and, accordingly, requests written comments from docket Participants and interested stakeholders to inform the rate setting process. Specifically, the Authority invites comments and pertinent data on the following information: a. average upfront installed system cost; b. the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other federal incentives currently available or planned to be available in 2025; c. ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs; and d. system performance (e.g., capacity factor) specific to residential solar photovoltaic systems in Connecticut. 
2. Residential Tariff Model The Authority received written exceptions in last year’s annual docket suggesting areas of improvement for the Residential Tariff Model. The Authority notes the comments received in the Year 3 Docket and invites any further recommendations for improving the Residential Tariff Model.
3. Metering and wiring – Trough-type connections In Order No. 28 of the Year 3 RRES Program Annual Review decision, the Authority directed the EDCs to file a plan to alleviate potential safety or tampering risks associated with trough-type connections with side-by-side meter installations, in light of manufacturer shortages of multi-gang meter sockets used for solar configurations in multifamily homes. Decision, Year 3 RRES Program Annual Review, Dec. 21, 2023, p. 65 (Year 3 Decision). The EDCs subsequently filed their Order No. 28 compliance for Authority review and approval. Motion No. 22, Apr. 15, 2024. The EDCs did not recommend the use of troughs, asserting that safety risks cannot be fully alleviated when troughs are used. Id., p. 2. Instead, the EDCs proposed alternative configurations that alleviate the use of troughs. Id., pp. 3-5. The EDCs presented the alternative proposals to the Interconnection Working Group and stated that the alternatives were well-received by several Working Group members. Id., pp. 5-6. Accordingly, the Authority requests written comments on the EDCs’ Order No. 28 compliance. In particular, the Authority invites feedback on the acceptability of the EDCs’ proposed alternatives to trough-type connections, and the extent to which such configurations would alleviate equipment shortages for solar installations at multifamily housing sites.
4. Metering and wiring – Meter socket adapters In the Year 3 RRES Program Annual Review, several stakeholders suggested that meter socket adapters (MSAs) should be allowed under the RRES Metering Guidelines. Year 3 Decision, pp. 55-56. The Authority recognized that MSAs could provide potential benefits to the RRES Program by lowering solar installation costs but did not allow their use for 2024 due to safety concerns raised by the EDCs. Id. In Order No. 32 of the Year 3 Decision, the Authority directed the EDCs to file a summary of MSA safety concerns, possible solutions, and estimated costs and timelines for implementing each solution. 3 The EDCs maintained that the use of MSAs presents safety concerns, as well as potential increased costs to customers and the EDCs. Id. Each EDC outlined several conditions that would need to be met for MSAs to be used, if approved. Id. The Authority requests stakeholder comment on the EDCs’ Order No. 32 compliance filings, including discussion of MSA-related safety concerns, potential solutions, the restrictions proposed by the EDCs, and any other benefits or drawbacks of allowing the use of MSAs in the RRES Program. In particular, the Authority invites members of the Interconnection Working Group to provide feedback on the compliance filing or the EDCs’ presentation of findings to the Working Group.
5. Alignment with Solar for All requirements On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) a $62.5 million grant under its Solar for All initiative through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.4 The initiative aims to expand solar energy investment in low-income and disadvantaged communities. Connecticut’s program, known as Project SunBridge, will be implemented through the RRES Program and other existing clean energy incentive programs. Consequently, the Authority requests stakeholder provide comment regarding any adjustments to the RRES Program necessary to ensure alignment with the Solar for All funding requirements. In addition, for RRES projects receiving funding through Project SunBridge, the Authority seeks recommendations on additional data or metrics that should be reported for each project to monitor program progress and deployment.

24-08-02 (01/11/2024) 
Notice (05/24/2024) 
Annual Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program Review – Year 4