Energy Efficiency Funding in Connecticut versus Federal

It is hard to tell what direction energy efficienct funding will go. The Federal Government may be making huge cuts to energy efficiency and green technology funding, but it may be a little time until we know for sure what is going to happen. But Connecticut is moving in its own direction, continuing and even increasing funding for energy efficient projects. The new legislation SB 1243 that was signed by Governor Malloy in July, makes huge strides forward.
SB 1243 is an act concerning the establishment of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and planning for Connecticut’s Energy Future. The bill merges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) into the newly created Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The legislation also allocates $2 mil in funding/grants for cogeneration, as well as continuing much of the funding for solar pv, solar thermal, including grant programs, tax rebates, and tax exemptions.
To further increase the use of renewable energy, the public utilities are required to obtain a minimum portion of their retail load by using renewable energy. By 2020 27% of their retail load must be from a combination of renewable energies. The types of renewable energies are broken into classes: Class 1 includes solar, wind, fuel cells, ocean thermal; Class II includes energy created by trash to energy facility; and Class III Source which is combined heat and power or cogeneration.
The law also sets forth new standards  for state buildings as well, requiring them to become more energy efficient. Here is more infomation about Energy Standards for State Buildings.