CT Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative CMEEC

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE BOARDS OF DIRETORS OF CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE AND CONNECTICUT TRANSMISSION MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE December 7, 2023 A Regular Meeting of the Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Boards of Directors of Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CMEEC”) and Connecticut Transmission Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CTMEEC” dba Transco) was held via Zoom on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting was legally noticed in compliance with Connecticut General Statutes and all proceedings, and all actions thereafter recorded occurred during the publicly open portions of the meeting. The following Committee Members participated: Bozrah Light & Power: Scott Barber Jewett City Department of Public Utilities: Louis Demicco Jewett City Municipal Representative: George Kennedy Norwich Public Utilities: Chris Riley (Non-Board Member) Norwich Municipal Representative: David Eggleston South Norwalk Electric & Water: David Westmoreland Third Taxing District, East Norwalk: Michele Sweeney The following Non-Voting Members participated: Bozrah Light & Power: William Ballinger Groton Municipal Representative: Mark Oefinger South Norwalk Electric & Water: Alan Huth The following CMEEC staff participated: Dave Meisinger, CMEEC CEO Michael Rall, CMEEC Director of Asset Management Margaret Job, CMEEC Paralegal and Compliance Manager Heidi Winnick, CMEEC Financial & Treasury Analyst Gabriel Stern, CMEEC Director of Technical Services Others participated: Timothy Shea, Director of Government Relations, Brown Rudnick Daivd Silverstone, Esquire, Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate Ms. Job recorded. Specific Agenda Item A Public Comment Period No public comment was made. B Roll Call Ms. Job conducted roll call. Committee Chair Demicco confirmed a quorum of the Committee was present. C Approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2023 Regular Meeting of the CMEEC / CTMEEC Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee A motion was made by Committee Member Barber, seconded by Committee Member Sweeney to Approve the Minutes of the June 15, 2023 Regular Meeting of the CMEEC / CTMEEC Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee. Motion passed unanimously. D Introduction to the 2023-2024 Session of the Connecticut General Assembly: Timothy Shea, Director of Government Relations, Brown Rudnick, LLP Mr. Shea walked the Committee through his presentation provided in advance of today’s meeting. He explained that the 2024 Legislative Session will begin on February 7, 2024 noting that this is a short session ending on May 8, 2024. Mr. Shea further explained that the legislative Committees have until mid-February to raise bills limited to budgetary, revenue and financial matters; bills raised by committees of the General Assembly; and certified to be an emergency in nature. After discussion of the current CMEEC legislative delegation members, Committee Members Barber and Kennedy noted some changes had recently been made to delegate representation of Bozrah and Jewett City. Mr. Shea stated he would make the necessary changes to the list of delegates included in today’s presentation. Mr. Shea explained that while no changes have occurred at the Executive Branch level related to the DEEP and PURA, he informed the Committee that a new DEEP Deputy Commissioner of Energy will be appointed following the recent resignation of Deputy  Commissioner Hank Webster. He also noted that the DEEP is considering adding additional commissioners. Mr. Shea highlighted major issues being addressed in 2024 include the State budget, health care, education, mental health, and housing. He further explained that climate change/carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, and grid modernization are the major energy issues for the coming legislative session. E Other Business Mr. Meisinger explained that the 2024 Legislative Rally will take place from Monday, February 26 through Wednesday, February 28, 2024. He added like last year, this year’s meetings with the delegate staff in Washington, DC will likely be conducted by Zoom. Mr. Meisinger encouraged all members of the Committee to participate in this year’s meetings adding these meetings are a very good way to touch base with the delegates on legislation and policy of interest to public power. Mr. Meisinger noted that Committee Member Riley and Mr. Brian Forshaw, of Energy Market Advisors, participated in meetings last year. Talking points will be developed by Mr. Forshaw and APPA to aid in the conversation. Mr. Meisinger explained that Ellen Kachmar will begin scheduling those meetings soon. After discussion related to the CMEEC Decarbonization policy having been highlighted in APPA’s publication, Public Power Current, and further discussions to include a link to the article on member websites and adding it to CMEEC’s 2023 Annual Report, Mr. Shea agreed that he would provide the article and the Decarbonization policy to the CMEEC delegation in Hartford to aid in informing them of CMEEC’s position on green initiatives. He further suggested that, as CMEEC did in a prior year, the CMEEC delegation be invited to a future meeting of this Committee. F Adjourn A motion was made by Committee Member Barber, seconded by Committee Member Kennedy to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:27 a.m.