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Opinion: Report says rolling blackouts could hit CT

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Opinion: Report says rolling blackouts could hit CT


In May 2022, Gov. Ned Lamont signed a law committing Connecticut to be 100 percent carbon-free by 2040, building on an executive order he signed in 2019. This ambitious goal includes benchmarks such as a 45 percent reduction in emissions from 2001 levels by 2030. At the same time, Connecticut has imposed an energy storage mandate of 1,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and is exploring an offshore wind venture with Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

While the environmental goals driving these policies are worth considering, a new joint report, The Staggering Costs of New England’s Green Energy Policies, raises serious concerns about their impact on Connecticut’s economy and residents’ quality of life.

The report, compiled by Always on Energy Research (AOER) in collaboration with Yankee Institute and other leading public policy organizations across New England, clearly demonstrates the costs and challenges associated with the region’s decarbonization plans. According to the findings, Connecticut’s electricity rates could double under the current trajectory. What’s more, the region could face rolling blackouts as the push for “green” energy like wind and solar fails to meet growing electricity demands.

Compliance with the New England Decarbonization Plans — efforts to achieve net-zero — would cost $815 billion through 2050. Meanwhile, Connecticut families would see their electric bills increase by an average of nearly $99 per year; costs for commercial businesses would increase by $489 per year; and the electric bills for industrial (manufacturing) customers would skyrocket by an average of almost $5,280 per year.

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The report also finds that a shift to green energy as the region’s primary energy source is not entirely feasible for the electrical grid of ISO-New England — an independent, not-for-profit corporation responsible for keeping electricity flowing across the six New England states. ISO- NE simply may not be able to power the region within 11 years, so should New England states stay on the same “renewable-intensive path, a blackout scenario could be dire indeed.”

Certainly, a clean environment is an important and worthy goal, but New England is responsible for less than 0.4% of global emissions. Indeed, if Connecticut and the rest of New England are to supply homes and businesses with constant electricity during a year in which wind and sunshine are plentiful, 225 gigawatts (GW) of renewables would be required — more than 12,000 wind turbines and 129 million solar panels. But in a cloudier year with less wind, even 225 GW wouldn’t be enough — and blackouts should be expected.

Beyond the financial burden, the risks posed by an unreliable energy grid are dire. In New England, 87% of households rely on electricity for heat during the cold winter months, whether from natural gas, heating oil, or heat pumps. For vulnerable populations — the elderly, the sick, or those relying on medical devices like dialysis machines — power outages aren’t just inconvenient; they’re life-threatening. A more unreliable grid means more fatalities, especially in the harsh winter months.

Despite these grave concerns, some Connecticut policymakers are once again considering policies that could accelerate the move toward green energy, potentially enacting a “Green Monster” or a “Green Amendment” that would only deepen these challenges.

It’s time for Connecticut to hit pause and rethink this trajectory. We need a sensible energy policy that balances the need for environmental stewardship with economic growth and energy reliability. The policies being considered today threaten not just our wallets, but also our safety and the well-being of our most vulnerable residents.

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Connecticut should not move forward with untested, costly, and risky energy policies that leave residents in the dark — both figuratively and literally. It’s time for a smarter, more balanced approach to energy that ensures the health of our environment without compromising the health and financial security of our residents and businesses.

Andrew Fowler is the Communications Specialist for Yankee Institute; Bryce Chinault is the Director of External Affairs for Yankee Institute.



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Connecticut

Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire

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Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire


Ten people are displaced after a fire broke out at the 400 block of Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.

At around 5:30 p.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a fire alarm.

Upon arrival, firefighters located heavy smoke conditions after the fire was extinguished in one unit by the sprinkler system.

Nine units were affected, displacing ten people.

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There were no reported injuries.

The American Red Cross is working to help those who were displaced.



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CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026

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CT Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 3, 2026


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The Connecticut Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

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Those who want to play in Connecticut can enter the CT Lotto, Lucky for Life and Cash 5 games as well as play the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. There are also two drawings a day for the Play 3 with Wild Ball and Play 4 with Wild Ball games.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule. Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

01-02-28-30-43, Lucky Ball: 07

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

12-13-16-20-32

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play3 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Day: 5-3-3, WB: 7

Night: 1-8-1, WB: 9

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Check Play3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Play4 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing

Day: 3-5-9-4, WB: 4

Night: 7-0-2-6, WB: 4

Check Play4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Connecticut Lottery prizes up to $599 can be easily claimed at any authorized CT Lottery Retailer without additional forms or documentation or by mail. For prizes between $600 and $5,000, winners have the option to claim by mail or in person at any CT Lottery High-Tier Claim Center or CT Lottery Headquarters. For prizes between $5,001 and $49,999, winnings must be claimed in person at the Connecticut Lottery headquarters or by mail. All prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at CT Lottery Headquarters. Winners are required to bring a government-issued photo ID and their Social Security card.

CT Lottery Claims Dept.

15 Sterling Drive

Wallingford, CT 06492

For additional details, including locations of High-Tier Claim Centers, visit the Connecticut Lottery’s claim information page.

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When are the Connecticut Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. daily.
  • Lotto: 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Cash 5: 10:29 p.m. daily.
  • Play3 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
  • Play3 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.
  • Play4 Day: 1:57 p.m. daily.
  • Play4 Night: 10:29 p.m. daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Connecticut editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Connecticut leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

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Connecticut leaders react to capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro


CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — The United States military carried out “large scale” strike inside Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday morning, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to President Donald Trump.

Leaders in Connecticut are responding to the military action.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) shared the following statement.

“If we’re starting another endless war, with no clear national security strategy or need, count me out. Maduro is a cruel criminal dictator, but President Trump has never sought approval from Congress for war as the Constitution requires – and our military deserves. We’ve seen several Administrations lead us into conflicts without objectives or timelines and with disastrous consequences. President Trump has also articulated no clear end game to prevent further chaos, violence, and bloodshed in Venezuela. The American people deserve—and Congress should demand—facts and clarity.”

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Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the strike the start of an “illegal war” between the U.S. and Venezuela.

“President Trump thinks he is above the law. He steals from taxpayers. He thumbs his nose at the law. And now, he is starting an illegal war with Venezuela that Americans didn’t ask for and has nothing to do with our security. How does going to war in South America help regular Americans who are struggling? How does this do anything about drugs entering the U.S. when Venezuela produces no fentanyl? What is the actual security threat to the United States? And what happens next in Venezuela? He cannot answer these questions – and that’s why there was no briefing to Congress to explain this action, and no briefing scheduled. And Maduro’s illegitimate election does not give the president the power to invade without congressional approval, nor does it create a national security justification. That contention is laughable. This is about satisfying Trump’s vanity, making good on the long standing neocon grudge against Maduro, enriching Trump’s oil industry backers, and distracting voters from Epstein and rising costs.”

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said the Trump administration acted without congressional approval.

“Maduro is an illegitimate ruler, but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization, nor have I heard a strategy for the day after and how we will prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos. Secretary Rubio repeatedly denied to Congress that the Administration intended to force regime change in Venezuela. The Administration must immediately brief Congress on its plan to ensure stability in the region and its legal justification for this decision.”

State Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-Conn.) shared that he hopes Maduro is brought to justice, calling him an “integral culprit” in the “narcotic ring” in the United States.

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“President Maduro has been an integral culprit in fostering the narcotic ring in our country which has killed far too many Americans. I hope he is brought to justice and we can continue to address the substance abuse crisis that our state and country continues to face.

The Chairman of the Connecticut Republican Party Ben Proto shared the following statement.

President Trump promised to stop the flow of drugs into the US that have been killing millions of Americans. Nicolas Maduro, who declared himself President, while getting about 30% of the vote in the last so called free election in Venezuela, was given multiple warnings to stop the flow of drugs from his country into America, was offered help by the Trump administration in stopping the flow, but he continued to, not only allow the flow of drugs, but condone it and profit from it. Presidents have long used their constitutional authority to intervene in other countries when those countries posed a danger to America and Americans. President Trump did just that. Unfortunately Democrats, particularly Jim Himes, Chris Murphy and Dick Blumenthal are more interested in playing politics than in protecting Americans. Nearly 1,000 Connecticut residents died from drug overdoses in 2024 and we have seen an increase in overdoses in 2025. If only Democrats cared as much about Americans as they do about a drug lord running another country who profits from the death of Americans.

Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) demanded that Congress must be briefed before further action.

As information about U.S military strikes in Venezuela unfold, I have more questions than answers. Nicolas Maduro is a brutal dictator who caused so much harm to his people. However, as Americans we must seriously weigh the consequences of attacking a sovereign nation and committing to “run Venezuela.” Congress must be briefed immediately, before this situation continues to escalate. I will comment further as credible information becomes available to Members of Congress.

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Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) shared the following statement, claiming that there could be “severe repercussions for American interests.”

“President Trump’s unilateral decision to attempt a regime change operation in Venezuela by using military force to capture Nicolas Maduro and declaring, ‘we will run the country’, threatens global order and is a fundamental violation of the Constitution, which gives Congress the responsibility of authorizing major military actions that could have severe repercussions for American interests.

“America’s unprecedented global strength and prosperity was built on this principle of restraining military force through democratic bodies like Congress. President Trump has shredded this principle, and along with it has destroyed American credibility and emboldened our adversaries to act with similar aggression. This new foreign policy that President Trump and his advisors have used to justify this act of war, including invoking the 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine as a justification for America to do whatever it pleases in the Western Hemisphere, is the exact same reasoning that China would use to justify invading Taiwan, and which Russia has used to assault Ukraine.

“President Trump has also now threatened Cuba with similar language, and is preparing a giant corrupt giveaway to oil companies by claiming that the United States will acquire Venezuela’s oil. This is corruption of the highest order. Maduro was an authoritarian who stayed in power despite the will of the people, but that does not justify the United States in starting a war to benefit some of the world’s wealthiest corporations.

“President Trump did all of this without the consent of Congress, and without providing any details or day-after plans. The full consequences of this act of war will not be known for some time, and they may require putting American boots on the ground in Venezuela, as the President has said he was prepared to do. The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless conflict distracting from the rising cost of living and the affordability crisis. Whatever happens next, the responsibility will be squarely with President Trump and his contempt for the Constitution and for Congress.”

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Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) echoed the statements of his fellow Democrats.

“This is yet another authoritarian power grab by Donald Trump. As he indicated in his address, it’s clear it’s about the oil!!! And securing that oil!!! And securing it with the use of our brave men and women in the United States military!!! The Constitution entrusts Congress, not the President, with the power to declare war for a reason. It’s Congress’s responsibility to decide whether the nation goes to war or not! That’s why I’m joining with others in calling on the President to immediately brief Congress—and for Congress to assert its authority under the Constitution and the War Powers Act—to let this President know he does not have the authority to unilaterally commit our country to yet another endless war.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.



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