House Democrats scrap special session on energy

HARTFORD, Conn. --House Democrats on Monday ruled out a special legislative session to take up energy legislation, choosing instead to schedule a public hearing before the end of the year.

Rising energy prices have become a political issue, putting pressure on elected officials to at least try to find solutions. Lawmakers have drafted legislation that calls for additional electricity generation in Connecticut during peak periods to avoid disruptions.

Lawmakers believe the state needs at least 500 to 750 megawatts of additional power and are considering allowing the state's two major electricity distributors -- Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating -- to produce that power.

Both companies sold off their energy generation facilities when the state deregulated the electricity market.

Majority Democrats in the state House of Representatives reached a consensus that a public hearing before the General Assembly convenes its 2007 session on Jan. 3 will accomplish the goal of quickly getting information out on the subject, said Larry Perosino, a spokesman for House Speaker James Amann.

It's not known if Senate Democrats will go along with the plan. A phone message seeking comment was left for Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams.

Judd Everhart, a spokesman for Gov. M. Jodi Rell, said she would support a special session on energy if Democrats can agree on the specifics of a bill to be taken up.

"A public hearing is always a good forum for exchanging ideas," he said.