For the first time in four years, CT officials are anticipating an increase in energy assistance for low-income families this winter.
John Moritz
John covers energy and the environment for CT Mirror, a beat that has taken him from wind farms off the coast of Block Island to foraging for mushrooms in the Litchfield Hills and many places in between. Prior to joining CT Mirror, he was a statewide reporter for the Hearst Connecticut Media Group and before that, he covered politics for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock. A native of Norwalk, John earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Temple University.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT electric rates to drop in Sept. as a result of state borrowing
The $155M in state borrowing will result in lower utility rates for Eversource and UI customers on their monthly bills starting in September.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
UI is building a series of floodwalls to protect its coastal substations
The floodwalls are designed to protect infrastructure and prevent major damage from storms that can lead to power outages.
Posted inCT Mirror Explains
What is diquat? Here’s what to know about herbicide at the center of debate in CT
Diquat is among the most common herbicides used on invasive plants. It’s approved for use in the U.S. by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
US Army Corps to resume use of herbicides against invasive hydrilla this month
Officials will deploy diquat, other chemical herbicides along the Connecticut River, part of a years-long effort to study their effectiveness.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Tariffs, economic turmoil behind decision to pull large battery-storage facility from CT
Tariffs and changes to US incentives for renewable energy, combined with a rocky outlook for offshore wind, led to Killingly project’s demise.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Judge sends English Station cleanup dispute back to DEEP
The ruling came just days after officials in New Haven announced ambitious plans to tear down the dilapidated power plant.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT agrees to borrow $155 million to offset cost of electric bills
The CT Bond Commission voted to borrow $155M to help offset the cost of electric bills by paying off a portion of the public benefits charge.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT forced to ‘ration’ EV rebates ahead of expiring federal tax credits
Consumer rebates for purchases of new EVs and plug-in hybrids will decrease from $1,500 to $500 starting Aug. 1.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
EPA closes Long Island Sound office in Stamford
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has closed its Long Island Sound office in Stamford as a result of federal cost-cutting measures.
Posted inCrossing Connecticut
It’s the oldest public ferry in the country. Here’s what keeps it afloat
The Glastonbury-Rocky Hill ferry has been crossing the Connecticut River since 1655, weathering wars, revolutions and threats of bridges.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Diquat among most commonly used aquatic herbicides in CT, documents show
Recent plan to use diquat on hydrilla in the Connecticut River set off viral opposition campaign. But its use is common across the state.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT sues the Trump administration again, this time over FEMA funding
William Tong joined 20 other state AGs in filing the lawsuit against FEMA, which seeks to restore billions in grants for climate resilience.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Developer withdraws plans for Killingly battery storage facility
The developer of Windham Energy Center withdrew its application after town officials raised concerns, particularly the risk of fire.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT Supreme Court upholds most of PURA decision in Aquarion rate case
Justices ruled in favor of state regulators’ 2023 decision cutting rates for Aquarion customers by an average of $67 a year.