Feature Articles
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New Energy Laws to Follow
On May 21, 2026 Delaware Gov. Meyer signs HB 269 mandating adoption of IREC interconnection procedures. The law becomes effective upon date of signature.
This bill requires utilities to adopt the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s Model Interconnection Procedures for net metering within 12 months of their latest publication. Any deviations from these procedures must receive affirmative approval from, and be monitored by, the Delaware PSC, strengthening standardization and regulatory oversight of interconnection practices. View PDF
SB-306 was signed by the Connecticut Governor on June 2, 2026 now Public Act 26-121 – An Act Concerning Economic Development And Comprehensive Energy Strategy.
This bill requires the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner to consult with the following individuals when preparing the state’s comprehensive energy strategy: 1. Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) commissioner; 2. agriculture, housing, and transportation commissioners or their designees; 3. Office of Policy and Management secretary or his designee; 4. Consumer Counsel or her designee; 5. Public Utilities Regulatory Authority chairperson or his designee; and 6. Connecticut Green Bank chief executive officer or his designee.
By law, DEEP must prepare the strategy every four years and consider, among other things, how Connecticut’s energy policies affect greenhouse gas emissions and the state’s economy. The bill also requires the DEEP commissioner to submit the final comprehensive energy strategy to the Commerce Committee, in addition to the Energy and Technology and Environment committees as required under current law.
Connecticut HB5340 – An Act Concerning Renewable Power Generation – Public Act 26-127 became law on May 27, 2026.
This new law: (1) require the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to develop successor programs for the RRES, NRES and SCEF programs, (2) require a study of consumer protections for solar photovoltaic system leasing and sales, (3) allow the use of portable solar photovoltaic systems, (4) require the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement an agrivoltaics program, and (5) require the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to establish a pilot program concerning the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in environmental justice communities.
H.940 – An act relating to miscellaneous public utility subjects was approved by the Vermont Governor on May 13, 2026.
Virginia enacts HB1444 establishing the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to provide financing support for energy and infrastructure projects through loans, grants, and other financial tools. This bill is identical to SB 225.
This new law becomes effective July 1, 2026.
This new law creates the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to finance clean energy projects, greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects, and other qualified projects through the strategic deployment of public funds in the form of grants, loans, credit enhancements, and other financing mechanisms. An advisory board consisting of nonlegislative citizen members and ex officio members shall oversee the Bank and provide recommendations related to the Bank and its effectiveness. The bill contains provisions for (i) the powers and duties of the Bank, (ii) lending practices, (iii) a strategic plan, (iv) an investment strategy, (v) public outreach requirements, (vi) audits, and (vii) reporting requirements.
