The merger of NextEra Nuclear and Dominion Nuclear creates one large utility company with control over all of New England’s nuclear power.
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
Eversource, UI drop lawsuit against Connecticut regulators
The lawsuit, filed last January, accused former PURA Chair Marissa Gillett of wielding near-total control over the authority.
Posted inCharting Connecticut
Wildfires in CT are smaller than in years past, but threats remain
While more regulations and urbanization have brought down the risk of wildfires, increased tree damage and loss in CT compounds the threat.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Lamont skewers Eversource rate hike plan, but his control is limited
Gov. Ned Lamont unleashed a scathing critique of Eversource officials for seeking an 11% electric rate hike in Connecticut.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Eversource to seek 11% rate hike in CT
The utility announced its intention to seek a $503M rate increase from electric customers in CT, citing inflation and maintenance costs.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Summer electric rates to drop for Eversource, UI customers
CT’s major electric utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating, announced plans on Friday to lower electric supply rates starting July 1.
Posted inEconomic Development
Lamont pledges $22.5 million in aid for struggling CT dairy farmers
Gov. Ned Lamont said state support is necessary to help Connecticut dairy farmers cope with rising costs and falling commodity prices.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT tire recycling effort faces ‘disappointing’ setback
A bill failed to gain passage that would have required retailers—who handle disposal for most used tires—to participate in the program.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
As sun sets, CT solar bill sees light in Senate
Lawmakers reauthorized the state’s rooftop solar incentives until 2035, setting a target budget of $85 million a year for the programs.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
Lawmakers give final OK to new PURA board
Legislative approval was the final step in a months-long, near-total makeover of PURA following the resignation of former Chair Marissa Gillett.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
UI sues to overturn ruling opposing Fairfield-Bridgeport transmission line
The lawsuit alleges that political pressure influenced the Siting Council’s decision last year to oppose the project.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
What is the duck curve and how does it impact your electric bill?
ISO reports New England is on pace for a record number of ‘duck curve’ days, driven by the performance of smaller, rooftop solar systems.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
House OKs solar bill; GOP targets impact on public benefits charge
H.B. 5340 imposes a ‘budget target’ on solar incentives and addresses plug-in solar panels and the proliferation of large solar arrays.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT lawmakers drop effort to ban Styrofoam takeout containers — again
House Democrats aren’t moving ahead with HB 5524, which would have implemented a ban on food service products containing polystyrene.
Posted inTransportation
CT House passes transportation bill relaxing clean bus mandates
Officials say the measures, allowing the state to purchase diesel buses, come in response to changing environmental policy under Trump.