Rep. Lanoue Applauds Passage of Bill to Study Natural Gas Demand Charges for Farmers and Agricultural Operators

Hartford – Late Friday night, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed S.B. No. 246, An Act Requiring a Study of Natural Gas Rates for Commercial and Agricultural Customers, just days after its passage in the Senate. The bill introduced by State Representative Brian Lanoue (R-45), will now await Governor Ned Lamont’s signature into law.

The new law will direct the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner to study the creation of a separate natural gas demand charge category for farmers and agricultural operators, shifting from an annual to a quarterly (three month) assessment. The commissioner must report findings to the legislature by January 2027. The goal is that this study will lead to a legislative fix in a future session by creating a special category for farmland and agricultural operators, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes §12 107c.

“I want to thank everyone in the Senate, House, and especially the Energy and Technology Committee for hearing this bill and supporting it the entire way,” said Rep. Lanoue. “I also want to thank Lou DeMicco from Jewett City Greenhouses, who testified with me in front of the committee in February. His testimony absolutely helped this piece of legislation get across the finish line. I look forward to working with Commissioner Katie Dykes, and all the principles to get the language and formula correct that will make energy more affordable for our farmers and agricultural operators across out state. It’s always great when you can pass legislation that benefits people in your district and beyond.”

 The 2026 Connecticut Legislative Session will adjourn at midnight on May 6.

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