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Letter to the Editor: State Senate Candidate Outlines Energy Policy Proposals

The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received August 26, 2024.

State Senate Candidate Jeff Duigou has announced his Republican Nomination to represent the 33rd Senate District, which includes the towns of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook (District II), Portland, and Westbrook.

Mr. Duigou’s experience includes more than thirty years of promoting jobs and business through his consulting engineering/science career. Jeff was a Licensed Environmental Professional in Connecticut, enforcing the USEPA, NEPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and state regulations of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Jeff has worked for many of the 169 towns in Connecticut completing various infrastructure projects (school construction/school safety services, senior/veteran housing, public parks) as well as UConn 2000 construction and Yale University campus improvements.  Jeff also has expertise in addressing complex environmental issues in the fields of Energy (oil, gas, and nuclear), Electrical Transmission and Distribution, and major industry (General Motors/United Technologies).  Mr. Duigou’s “Big Picture” approach to complex issues allows for the execution and completion of work, often employing good paying union jobs.

“I will bring my positive message directly to the people of our district and State. I look forward to listening to the voters from now until Election Day and beyond during my tenure as your representative in Hartford.  From affordability to public safety to wasteful government spending, there are so many areas where we can improve our State’s policies. My brand of leadership is straightforward and honest. I will appeal to Democrats, Independents, Republicans, and Unaffiliated voters of all ages, and I will work diligently to earn your support in November.”

Candidate Duigou added, “Connecticut’s high cost of living affects all of us, from working families to seniors and small business owners. As your State Senator, I am committed to bipartisan cooperation, working with Democrats and Republicans to lower high energy costs, tax/ratepayer burdens and make our communities safer. I will champion our law enforcement officials and first responders, always putting you, the taxpayers, first. Your voices will be heard and respected.”

Working with the Republican State Senate Caucus, Mr. Duigou’s Energy sector proposals include:

Limit all future Power Purchase Agreements so that no contract can be for more than 150% over the wholesale electric market price.

Study moving public policy charges off of ratepayer bills and into the budget.

Redefine Class I renewable energy sources to include all forms of hydropower and all nuclear power to lower the cost of these energy sources.

Separate the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

Cover the portion of rate increases associated with the moratorium on electric service shutoffs by reallocating remaining end-of-year American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and examining budgetary options that could make available up to $1 billion. For more information, please visit: www.Duigou4CT33RD.com

Jeff Duigou, Colchester

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