Electricity Laws and Incentives in Connecticut
The list below contains summaries of all Connecticut laws and incentives related to electricity.
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Procurement Preference
When determining the lowest responsible qualified bidder for the award of state contracts, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services may give a price preference of up to 10% for the purchase of AFVs or for the purchase of conventional vehicles plus the conversion equipment to convert the vehicles to dual or dedicated alternative fuel use. For these purposes, alternative fuels include natural gas, hydrogen, propane, or electricity used to operate a motor vehicle.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4a-59)
Alternative Fuel and Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Acquisition and Emissions Reduction Requirements
Cars and light-duty trucks purchased by state agencies must meet the following requirements:
- Have an average U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy of at least 40 miles per gallon;
- Comply with state fleet vehicle acquisition requirements set forth under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct); and
- Obtain the best achievable fuel economy per pound of carbon dioxide emitted for the applicable vehicle classes.
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) that the state purchases to comply with these requirements must be capable of operating on an EPAct-defined alternative fuel that is available in the state.
In addition, all cars and light-duty trucks that the state purchases or leases must be hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or capable of using alternative fuel. All AFVs purchased or leased must be certified to the California Air Resources Board’s (ARB) Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) standard, and all light-duty gasoline vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles the state purchases or leases must be certified, at a minimum, to the California ARB ULEV II standard.
Beginning January 1, 2026, cars and light-duty trucks purchased by state agencies must meet the following electric vehicle (EV) acquisition goals:
- 50% of vehicle acquisitions must be EVs by 2026;
- 75% of vehicle acquisitions must be EVs by 2028; and,
- 100% of vehicle acquisitions must be EVs by 2030.
Lower EV maintenance costs must be considered when Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) leases vehicles to other state agencies. The DAS must report annually on the composition of the state fleet, including the volume of alternative fuels used. Beginning January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, if procurement of light-duty cars and trucks purchased by the state does not meet the ZEV procurement requirements, DAS must submit an explanatory report to the General Assembly.
Vehicles that the Connecticut Department of Public Safety designates as necessary for the Department of Public Safety to carry out its mission are exempt from these provisions.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4a-67d)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Accessibility Requirements
In October 2022, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) set requirements for accessible EV chargers by adopting the 2021 International Building Code by the International Council Code (ICC), 2017 ICC A117.1, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Section 502.11.
Accessible EV chargers must have an accessible route from the aisle adjacent to the parking space to the clear floor space. The accessible route must be unobstructed from bollards, curbs, or wheels stops, and remain unobstructed during charging. Meters and pay stations associated with EV chargers must have displays and information visible from a point located no more than 40 inches above the center of the clear space in front of the parking meter or parking pay station.
For more information, see the DAS Building and Fire Code Adoption Process website.
(Reference Connecticut State Building Code, Section 502.10.2 through 502.11.3)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Incentive Requirements
The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) established a statewide Electric Vehicle Charging Program (Program). The Program requires utilities to offer incentives for EV charger infrastructure, increased incentive amounts for underserved communities, and special electricity rates for charging EVs. For more information, see the PURA press release and EV Charging Program website.
(Reference PURA Docket No. 17-12-03RE04)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies at State Agencies
Beginning October 1, 2022, an individual may not park a motor vehicle in a state agency parking space equipped with an EV charger unless the vehicle is an EV. EVs may not charge longer than the maximum time limit set by each state agency. State agencies must assess and collect fees from public and employee users to recover EV charger installation costs unless users are charging a state-owned EV.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4b-13a)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies for Condominiums
Beginning October 1, 2022, condominium associations may not prohibit or restrict the installation or use of EV chargers. These entities may put reasonable restrictions on EV chargers, but the policies may not discourage or add obstacles to the use of EV chargers. Reasonable restrictions may not increase the cost of the EV chargers or reduce its efficiency or performance. The EV charger installer must obtain appropriate approvals from the common interest development association, comply with applicable architectural standards, engage a licensed installation contractor, provide a certificate of insurance, register the EV charger with the association, meet health and building standards, and pay for the electricity usage, maintenance, and other costs associated with the EV charger until it is removed by the homeowner.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 47-68a and 47-261b)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies for Rental Properties
Landlords must approve a tenant’s written request to install an EV charger in their designated parking space. This requirement takes effect at different times based on the number of units a landlord owns, according to the following schedule:
| Number of Units Owned | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| 250 or more | October 1, 2022 |
| At least 50 but no more than 250 | October 1, 2023 |
| Less than 50 | October 1, 2024 |
All modifications and improvements must comply with federal, state, and local laws and all applicable zoning and land use requirements, covenants, conditions, and restrictions. The EV charger installer is responsible for the cost of the installation, maintenance, repair, removal, or replacement of the equipment; electricity consumption; and any resulting damage to the EV charger or surrounding area. The EV charger must be designated as a fixture of the rental property if not removed upon the termination of the lease. Additional terms, conditions, or exclusions may apply.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 47a-1 and 47a-13b)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Deployment Goal
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released the EV Roadmap for Connecticut (Roadmap), a framework to accelerate EV adoption. The Roadmap sets a state goal for 20% of the statewide light-duty fleet, or 500,000 vehicles, to be EVs by 2030. The Roadmap complements strategies identified in the Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment Support, including fleet electrification, expanding EV charger infrastructure, establishing EV charger interoperability criteria, minimizing grid impacts, advancing building codes, streamlining permitting requirements, leveraging incentives, and increasing education and outreach. For more information, see the DEEP Roadmap website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Requirement
An individual may not park a motor vehicle in a parking space equipped with a public charger unless that vehicle is a EV. An infraction applies for non-EVs that park in spaces with public charger.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-19eee and 16-19ggg)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Registration Data
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must record the number of EVs registered in Connecticut. An EV is defined as any all-electric vehicle, fuel cell electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or range-extended EV. The data must be publicly available on the DMV website and include the total number of EVs registered each year. The DMV must update the information every six months. For more information, see the EValuateCT Dashboard website.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-12(I))
Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate Program Administration
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must further develop the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program by:
- Establishing an Advisory Board of various government and industry members to direct the allocation of CHEAPR funds;
- Providing at least 3 million dollars of rebates and vouchers to residents for the purchase or lease of new or pre-owned EV or fuel cell electric vehicle annually;
- Prioritizing the allocation of funds to residents of environmental justice communities;
- Beginning on June 20, 2024, reporting annually on the effectiveness of the CHEAPR program; and,
- Conducting outreach programs and marketing campaigns for the promotion of the program.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 22a-202)
Integrated Resources Plan Report
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in consultation with the electric distribution companies, must deliver a plan that analyzes, among other things, the potential for electric vehicles (EVs) to provide energy storage and other services to the electric grid, and identify strategies to ensure that the grid is prepared to support increased EV charging based on projections of sales of EVs. The report must be delivered biennially. Reports are published biennially and available on the DEEP Integrated Resources Planning website.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16a-3a through 16a-3e)
Mandatory Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Building Standards
Beginning January 1, 2023, new state buildings with project costs greater than $100,000 must install Level 2 EV charger at a minimum of 20% of light-duty vehicle (LDV) parking spaces. New commercial or multi-unit dwelling buildings with at least 30 LDV parking spaces must be capable of supporting Level 2 or direct current fast chargers at 10% of such spaces.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4b-77)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Requirements
Owners and operators of public EV chargers that require payment must offer multiple payment options. In addition, payment should not require users to pay a subscription fee or obtain a membership of any kind, however payments may be based on price schedules for such memberships. Owners and operators may impose restrictions on the amount of time a vehicle can use the EV charger.
In addition, owners and operators of public EV chargers must disclose the location and characteristics of each EV charger to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. Information that must be disclosed includes, but is not limited to, address, voltage, and timing restrictions.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-19ggg)
Public Utility Definition
An owner of an electric vehicle charger is not defined as a public utility.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-1(c))
School Bus Emissions Reduction
Each full-sized school bus with a Model Year (MY) 1994 or newer engine must be equipped with specific emissions control systems, including either: a closed crankcase filtration system and a level 1, level 2, or level 3 device; an engine that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified as meeting MY 2007 emissions standards; or use of compressed natural gas or other alternative fuel that EPA or the California Air Resources Board has certified to reduce particulate matter emissions by at least 85% as compared to ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Beginning January 1, 2035, school districts may only purchase zero-emission school buses, and all school buses in Connecticut must be zero emission by 2040. School districts within environmental justice communities must transition to zero emission buses by January 1, 2030. School districts may enter zero-emission school bus contracts for 10-year periods.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 14-164o, and 22a-201e)
State Building Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Standards
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment must develop standards for construction of state buildings, which include standards EV charger standards and meet or exceed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver levels.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16a-38k)
State Fleet Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction
A Steering Committee on State Sustainability (Committee) will direct executive branch agencies to reduce GHG emissions from their vehicle fleets by expanding the Lead by Example program. The Committee will develop actions to achieve GHG reduction goals set by the governor. For more information, including program updates, see the Lead By Example Initiative website.
(Reference Executive Order 1, 2019-1)
Utility Company Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Load Projection Requirement
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority requires electric distribution companies to integrate EV charging load projections into distribution planning. Projections will be based on the number of EVs registered in the state as well as projected fluctuations in EV sales. Electric distribution companies must publish annual reports detailing the EV charging load projections for the company’s distribution planning.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 16-19fff)
Zero Emission Transit Bus Acquisition Requirement
Beginning January 1, 2024, the state may not procure, purchase, or lease diesel transit buses. At least 30% of transit buses purchased or leased by the state must be zero-emission by January 1, 2030. The Commissioner of Administrative Services must study and identify barriers to implementing zero-emission buses state-wide and submit a report of the results to the General Assembly by January 1, 2024.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4a-67d)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
Connecticut joined California, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.
In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:
- Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
- Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
- Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
- Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
- Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.
For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Study and Procurement
The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation must study the feasibility and cost savings of creating and implementing a bid process for the bulk procurement of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and zero emission buses for the fleet. DAS published a report of their findings in January 2024.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 4a-67d)
State Incentives
Connecticut’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
For more information about Conneticut’s NEVI planning process, see the CTDOT NEVI website. To review Conneticut’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Diesel Emissions Reductions Grants
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) provides U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funding for projects that reduce diesel emissions in Connecticut. Funding for eligible project costs is available for government agencies organizations, and businesses that reduce diesel emissions by converting engines to alternative fuels, retrofitting exhaust controls, purchasing new vehicles, or adding idle reduction equipment. DEEP prioritizes projects that benefit environmental justice communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including funding amounts and how to apply, see the DEEP DERA Grants website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grants
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) allocates a portion of its designated funds from the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust for the deployment of public Level 1, Level 2, and direct current fast charging (DC Fast) stations through the Diesel Emissions Mitigation Program (Program). The Program provides funding in the following amounts:
| Applicant Type | Funding Amount | Municipalities, state agencies, and other public entities | Up to 65% of the cost to purchase, install, and maintain EV chargers for public, government fleet, or government employee use |
|---|---|
| Non-government entities | Up to 60% of the cost to purchase, install, and maintain publicly available EV chargers |
Priority will be given to projects located in environmental justice communities. For more information, including additional eligibility requirements, see the DEEP VW Grant Information website.
Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state motor vehicle emissions inspections. For more information, see the Connecticut Emissions Program website.
(Reference Connecticut General Statues 14-164c)
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate
The Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program (CHEAPR) offers point-of-sale rebates of up to $9,500 for the incremental cost to purchase or lease a FCEV, EV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The manufacturer suggested retail price for new eligible vehicles may not exceed $50,000.
CHEAPR offers an additional rebate, Rebate Plus, for qualifying individuals who purchase or lease a new or pre-owned eligible vehicle. Rebate Plus applicants must reside in an environmental justice community or distressed municipality, participate in a qualifying state or federal income program, or have an income less than 300% the federal poverty line. The CHEAPR rebate may only be combined with the Rebate Plus for the purchase or lease of new vehicles.
Rebates are offered in the following amounts:
| Vehicle Type | CHEAPR Standard | Rebate Plus - New Vehicle | Rebate Plus - Used Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHEV | $750 | $1,500 | $1,125 |
| EV | $2,250 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| FCEV | $7,500 | $2,000 | $7,500 |
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection CHEAPR website.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 22a-202)
Loans for Residential Charging or Natural Gas Fueling Infrastructure
The Connecticut Green Bank offers Smart-E low-interest loans for Connecticut electric vehicle (EV) drivers to purchase Level 2 and direct current fast chargers or natural gas vehicle fueling equipment. To qualify, applicants must own and occupy the residence at which the EV chargers or natural gas fueling equipment will be installed. For more information, see the Connecticut Green Bank Smart-E Loans website.
Zero Emission School Bus Funding and Technical Assistance
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) must establish and administer a grant program to provide matching funds necessary for municipalities, school districts and school bus operators for the purchase or lease of zero-emission school buses and electric vehicle chargers. School districts within environmental justice communities will be prioritized. In addition, DEEP must provide administrative and technical assistance to municipalities, school districts, and school bus operators that are transitioning to zero-emission school buses and installing electric vehicle chargers.
(Reference Connecticut General Statutes 22a-201d)
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