Northeast Clean Energy Council Leads Annual Connecticut Clean Energy Day

Pictured from left to right: Diane Molokotos, Northeast Chapter of the Combined Heat and Power Alliance; Dallas Manson, RWE Clean Energy; Trinell Ball, FORGE; Oliwia Krupinska, NECEC; Heather Heenehan, Avangrid Renewables; Aaron Monikowski, FORGE; Maya Gibbs; Ameresco, Inc.; Emily Peck, ConnectDER; Sean Burke, BlueWave; Richard Brody, CTC Global; Katie Dykes, Commissioner, CT DEEP; Matt Shortsleeve, Solect; Natalie Treat, NECEC; Paul Rhodes, Gridwealth; Alycia Goody, NECEC; Gregory Carey, RWE Clean Energy; Tina Bennett, Pearl Certification; Kevin Hennessy, Mainspring Energy; Nora Lardner, ConnectDER; Joe Dicola, Deputy Commissioner, CT DEEP.

Hartford, CT – Last week, the Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) hosted Connecticut Clean Energy Day alongside two dozen members and partners. Held in Hartford, this annual event aims to foster relationships, engage with lawmakers and regulators, and empower them with the knowledge and confidence needed to drive progress toward shared clean energy and climate goals.

NECEC met with key stakeholders, including Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP); Connecticut State Senator Norm Needleman and Representative Jaime Foster, Chair and Vice Chair of the Joint Energy and Technology Committee; Joseph DeNicola, Deputy Commissioner of DEEP; and Marissa Gillett, Chair of Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Connecticut State Rep. Tim Ackert holds a sample of advanced transmission cable shared by Richard Brody of CTC Global.

“This is an important chance for NECEC as an organization to make clear the value that our members serve in helping Connecticut meet its clean energy and climate goals while advancing equity and building the state’s green workforce," said Natalie Hildt Treat, NECEC’s Director of Public Policy. "It’s so important to build relationships and find alignment so that policymakers continue to see the clean energy sector as a key partner.”

"We are thrilled with the success of Connecticut Clean Energy Day and the impactful conversations that took place," said Joe Curtatone, President of NECEC. "This event underscores our members’ vital role in advancing clean energy and climate goals throughout the Northeast. By fostering collaboration and engagement with policymakers, we drive positive change and build a greener, more sustainable future for all."

In addition to the series of meetings, many NECEC members participated in the Joint Energy and Technology Committee Hearing, where critical bills related to clean energy were discussed. NECEC is actively preparing written comments for this hearing and several other key bills under consideration during the legislative session.

A packed hearing room as Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, testified before the Joint Committee on Energy & Technology.

If you want to get involved with NECEC’s Policy Committee, please contact Natalie Treat at ntreat@necec.org.

About NECEC: The Northeast Clean Energy Council (NECEC) is a regional non-profit clean energy business association that accelerates the clean energy economy through innovation, policy advocacy, and industry support. NECEC’s mission is to create a world-class clean energy hub, delivering global impact with economic, energy, and environmental solutions.