Rep. Pat Dillon: Plug-In Solar, New Student Loan Rules, New Haven Events and Information
July 10, 2026
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Dear Neighbor,
It was a very productive session; here is some information on important topics that I have worked on in recent months: plug-in solar and new student loan rules.
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Plug-In Solar
I recently spoke about plug-in solar and promised additional information.
Connecticut legalized "plug-in" (or balcony) solar through HB 5340. Effective October 1, renters and homeowners can plug a system up to 1,200W into a standard outlet to directly offset high electric bills, with no utility approval, Eversource or UI interconnection agreements, or added fees required.
The Nuts and Bolts
- The Math: Connecticut has the highest residential electricity rates in the continental US at roughly $0.286/kWh. An 800W balcony system generates about 1,100 kWh/year, yielding approximately $315+ in annual savings for renters.
- Safety Regulations: Devices must conform to the State Building Code and pass safety tests by nationally recognized labs like UL Solutions. Systems must include anti-islanding features to prevent back-feeding the grid during power outages.
- Market Availability: The state law requires the UL3700 certification for plug-in units up to 1200W. Products are beginning to emerge, but you will need to wait for fully compliant models to become available to meet state legal requirements
To learn more, please click on this link.
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New Student Loan Rules
Sweeping changes to the student loan system by the federal government will affect half a million Connecticut residents who carry student debt by narrowing their choices, raising monthly payments for many, and closing off affordable pathways to higher education.
Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan are receiving notices to choose a new repayment plan within 90 days.
No borrower should navigate these changes alone. Connecticut is one of a limited number of states with a dedicated Student Loan Ombudsperson, Michelle Jarvis-Lettman, housed at the state Department of Banking and backed by independent statutory authority under state law.
The Ombudsperson’s office can receive and work to resolve complaints against student loan servicers, whether the loan is federal or private.
Borrowers can call the Office at 860-240-8170 or 800-831-7225, and press option 2 or:
• Email: banking.complaints@ct.gov
Connecticut also puts real dollars back in borrowers’ pockets through the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP), administered by the state Office of Higher Education. Residents can apply for or learn more about the Student Loan Reimbursement Program via:
• Website: portal.ct.gov/ohe (apply through the CT Scholars portal)
• Email: OHE.SLRP@ct.gov
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New Haven
Events and Information
Please click on the boxes below for upcoming events taking place in New Haven.
Downtown EventsEventbriteGreater New Haven Arts CouncilShubert Theatre
Sunday Opening at Kehler Liddell
The Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Ave., is hosting an exhibit opening on Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Details below.
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As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Patricia Dillon
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