Final IRP report examines availability and price of power

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released its final 2014 Integrated Resource Plan Tuesday, reinforcing energy initiatives to reduce the demand for electricity and encourage the deployment of cleaner energy sources.

These sources remain critical as the state and region are expected to face challenges with the price and supply of power during the next 10 years.

“We are pleased to make the final IRP available as it is a very comprehensive assessment concerning capacity and price trends in the market for electricity,” DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said. “This report points out the need for us to continue advocating and acting to protect electric ratepayers by addressing critical energy issues here in Connecticut and in partnership with the other New England states.”

The IRP indicates a tightening in the availability of renewable resources and the need to encourage deployment of new resources. It also recommends that a more optimistic approach be taken with respect to generating capacity. 

"This means we must build on our success in encouraging the growth of in-state renewable energy projects, and continue to make use of aggressive strategies – such as the tristate procurement now underway – to encourage large-scale projects in the region," Klee said.