Connecticut is a little state with big energy woes – so big that officials fear it could become the next California, with rolling blackouts possible as soon as next year. In an effort to avoid this, officials are introducing an innovative method of contracting. If it works, it may well become a model that spreads to other US power markets.

The heart of the problem in Connecticut is a lack of generation and transmission facilities, and difficulties in siting new ones. Bordering New York City