Reps. Ackert and Davis Applaud the Passage of Legislation that Supports the Agricultural Industry in Connecticut

HARTFORD– State Representatives Tim Ackert (R-8), Ranking Member of the Energy & Technology Committee, and his colleague on the committee Christopher Davis (R-57) praised the passage of legislation that will help support the state’s agricultural industry on Wednesday.

“This legislation evens the playing field when it comes to purchasing electricity in the state,” said Rep. Ackert. “The agricultural industry will now be free from the restraints of purchasing electricity and be able to enter into contacts that will benefit their bottom-line.”

House Bill 5242, An Act Concerning Agricultural Virtual Net Metering, gives farmers the ability to include leasing and entering into a long-term contract as two options when considering virtual net-metering for their farms. This bill puts municipalities, the state, and farmers all on the same playing field when it comes to developing renewable energy projects.

“We are starting to make a strong commitment in this state to produce clean and renewable energy,” added Rep. Davis. “Encouraging farmers to produce long-term sustainable energy will greatly benefit our local and state economies, and create a path towards a new way of farming.”

Local farmers around the state are starting to realize the benefits of renewable energy such as solar and wind. Oakridge Dairy Farm, one of Connecticut’s largest producers of milk, is currently installing hundreds of solar panels at their Ellington location. The farm will eventually create enough renewable energy to power the entire facility.

The bill now moves to the State Senate for final legislative approval.

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