© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gov. Malloy Vetoes Bridgeport Green Energy Bill

Ryan Caron King
/
WNPR
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim touted the benefits of a "thermal loop" during a recent trip to Denmark (file photo).

Governor Dannel Malloy has vetoed a green energy proposal spearheaded by the city of Bridgeport. The project would have created an underground heating system in one portion of the city.

It’s called a “thermal loop” -- a system of underground pipes, which capture waste heat from power generators and feed it into connected buildings -- so they can avoid using fuels like natural gas or oil.

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim’s predecessor, Bill Finch, introduced the idea.

A similar proposal failed a state-run bidding process in 2016, but the idea was resurrected in a bill this session. It passed the General Assembly, but didn’t win Malloy over.

In a veto message released this week, Malloy wrote the proposal was "commendable," but said it avoids proper regulatory oversight or a competitive bidding process.

Bridgeport also wanted to build a fuel cell to power part of the project, which Malloy said would be paid for by ratepayers “with no guarantee that the thermal loop will be built” or that it would have enough customers.

"We wanted to do this as a pilot program," said Joe Gresko, a state representative who also works for the city of Bridgeport. "It's kind of disappointing, at the very end, to have the veto come through."

Gresko said he doesn't think there's a chance the legislature will override the veto, but said the city will work on getting the thermal loop idea built into the budget implementer bill.

If that fails, he's hopeful the project could be submitted through an upcoming bidding process for energy projects.

In his veto, Malloy noted the project was proposed during an energy procurement process conducted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection last year, "but failed to be selected because it would have cost ratepayers much more than competing proposals."

Gresko said any benefits to ratepayers "would have to be over time."

"Fuel cell energy that's created is more expensive," he said, noting the technology is popular in Denmark. NuPower Thermal, a Danish company, was the city's proposed developer for the project.

In May, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim visited Denmark to tout Bridgeport's thermal loop project

"This is nothing special over there, they do it all the time," Gresko said. "So he went over there to get a better handle on just how it functions and how people over there rely on it." 

This post was updated with Joe Gresko's comments.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content