CT Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative CMEEC

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF CONNECTICUT MUNICIAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE AND CONNECTICUT TRANSMISSION MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE February 1, 2024 A Regular Meeting of the Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee of the Joint Boards of Directors of Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CMEEC”) and Connecticut Transmission Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CTMEEC” dba Transco) was held via Zoom, telephonically and at 30 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.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 via Zoom Groton Utilities: Jeffrey Godley via Zoom Groton Municipal Representative: Mark Oefinger via Zoom Jewett City Department of Public Utilities: Louis Demicco via Zoom Jewett City Municipal Representative: George Kennedy via Zoom Norwich Public Utilities: Chris Riley (NPU Non-BOD Member) via Zoom Norwich Municipal Representative: David Eggleston via Zoom South Norwalk Electric & Water: Alan Huth via Zoom, David Westmoreland telephonically TTD, East Norwalk: Michele Sweeney telephonically East Norwalk Municipal Representative: Pete Johnson via Zoom The following Non-Voting Members participated via Zoom: Bozrah Light & Power: William Ballinger Jewett City Department of Public Utilities: James DeRusha The following CMEEC Staff participated in person: Dave Meisinger, CMEEC CEO Michael Rall, CMEEC Director of Asset Management Margaret Job, CMEEC Paralegal and Compliance Manager Heidi Winnick, CMEEC Financial & Treasury Analyst Others participated via Zoom: Timothy Shea, BrownRudnick David Silverstone, Esquire Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate Ms. Job recorded. Committee Chair Louis Demicco called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. noting for the record that today’s meeting is being held via Zoom, telephonically and at 30 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT. Committee Chair Demicco reminded participants to keep their devices on mute unless speaking to eliminate background noise and to state their names when speaking for clarity of the record. 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 Selection of Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Committee Chair Demicco opened the floor for nominations for Chair of this Committee for 2024. Committee Member Barber nominated Committee Chair Demicco to serve as Chair for 2024. No other nominations were made. A motion was made by Committee Member Barber, seconded by Committee Member Oefinger to appoint Committee Member Demicco as Chair of this Committee for 2024. Motion passed unanimously. D Approve the Minutes of the December 7, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee A motion was made by Committee Member Eggleston, seconded by Committee Member Kennedy to Approve the Minutes of the December 7, 2023 Regular Meeting of the Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee. Motion passed unanimously. E Connecticut General Assembly Update: Timothy Shea, BrownRudnick Mr. Shea walked the Committee through the slide deck provided in advance of today’s meeting. He explained that this year is a short Legislative Session that begins on February 7, 2024 and concludes on May 8, 2024. Mr. Shea further explained that the Energy and Technology Committee has a deadline of March 26, 2024 to vote bills out. He noted that since this is a ‘short-session,’ bills must be raised by Committees rather than by individual legislators. Mr. Shea briefly walked the Committee through the chart of deadlines for Committees to submit bills. Mr. Shea explained that leadership for the Energy and Technology Committee remains the same as it was for the 2023 Session and briefly highlighted its members. He provided an overview of the Energy and Technology Committee issues to cover in the 2024 Session focusing on Climate Change/Emission Reduction; Renewable Energy; Grid Modernization; PURA and Broadband/Telecommunications. Mr. Shea informed the Committee that the pamphlet titled ‘Major Issues 2024 Legislative Session’ provided with today’s packet of materials was provided for informational purposes and that he would be happy to answer any questions. Discussion followed. F Review Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee Charter Committee Chair Demicco noted that the current Charter was approved in January of 2021. Mr. Rall walked the Committee through the Charter and stated that staff are not recommending any changes. G Review Results of the Joint Legislative and Governmental Affairs Self-Evaluation and Goals Discussion Mr. Rall walked the Committee through the results of its self-evaluation noting that four of the nine Committee members responded. Mr. Rall explained that the majority of the topics received overall scores of outstanding. The Committee discussed the proposed goals for 2024. Lengthy discussion followed in connection with electric vehicles. Upon inquiry by Committee Member Oefinger related to potential obstacles facing electric vehicles, Committee Member Godfrey offered to share material he received at a recent APPA conference on the subject asking that Ms. Job forward the material to the Committee. H New Business Mr. Rall explained that the APPA Legislative Rally will be held February 26 through 28, 2024 via Zoom. He provided an update on the preparation for the rally including development of talking points for use when meeting with CMEEC’s Washington delegates. Meetings will be scheduled soon. Upon inquiry by Committee Chair  Demicco, Mr. Meisinger confirmed that invitations to participate in this year’s APPA Legislative Rally will be sent to the full Board of Directors. He added that Brian Forshaw will also participate and will provide updates on key issues related to ISO-New England. I New Committee Member Onboarding Mr. Meisinger explained there are two new members on the Committee this year and proceeded to walk the Committee through the Onboarding materials provided in advance of today’s meeting. He highlighted the Committee’s responsibilities specifically that of oversight of the lobbyist. Mr. Meisinger also highlighted the CMEEC Lobbying Policy with which this Committee shares oversight with designated CMEEC staff. J Adjourn A motion was made by Committee Member Johnson, seconded by Committee Member Barber to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 1:41 p.m.