Around the Local

Demolition of Vacant CT Building Puts Future Development In Spotlight

https://www.courant.com/2026/01/14/demolition-of-vacant-and-decaying-ct-building-to-start-it-puts-future-development-in-spotlight/

Demolition work begins on Hartford's vacant data processing center near Dunkin' Park, making way for a $90 million AI center, boutique hotel, and parking garage. The $9.4 million demolition is expected to complete by June, clearing the site for RMS Cos. redevelopment that includes a proposed center for applied artificial intelligence with potential Google technology partnership.
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Higher Bills, Delayed Projects: How Administration Policies Hit CT's Clean Energy Push

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-trump-climate-energy-agenda-cost-environment-21294687.php

Connecticut's 2026 gubernatorial race centers on electricity affordability as candidates navigate Trump administration policies shifting federal energy support away from renewables. Gov. Lamont pursues an "all-of-the-above" strategy including natural gas expansion, while facing criticism from both progressive Democrats favoring clean energy investments and Republicans seeking to eliminate public benefits charges on electric bills.
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Dispatch Energy Activates Bridgeport Fuel Cell Site

https://www.tipranks.com/news/private-companies/dispatch-energy-activates-bridgeport-fuel-cell-site-expanding-baseload-clean-power-in-connecticut

Dispatch Energy energized a 4-megawatt fuel cell power plant at Bridgeport's Bunnell Block, providing clean baseload electricity for approximately 3,400 homes. The project, developed with United Illuminating under Connecticut's Shared Clean Energy Facility program on a former brownfield site, aims to reduce emissions by 50 percent while strengthening grid reliability amid rising demand from data centers.
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How New Canadian Hydropower Line Will Impact CT Energy

https://www.sheltonherald.com/business/article/connecticut-hydropower-prices-necec-avangrid-21304538.php

Avangrid activated the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line, delivering 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower to Massachusetts with potential benefits for Connecticut ratepayers. The $1.6 billion project is expected to ease wholesale electricity prices across New England by reducing competition for power from regional generators, though the impact on individual bills may be modest according to industry experts.
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Microsoft Agrees to Pay For Higher Electricity Consumption Due to Data Centers

https://insidermonkey.com/blog/microsoft-corporation-agrees-to-pay-for-higher-electricity-consumption-due-to-data-centers-1679666/

Microsoft announced a "Community-First AI Infrastructure" policy ensuring communities won't bear the full cost of electricity consumption and grid expansion from its data centers, following Trump administration pressure. The company's commitment comes as IEA estimates US datacenter electricity demand could triple by 2035, from 200 to 640 terawatt-hours annually.
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