Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
The Connecticut Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to obtain records and attend meetings of all public agencies with certain exceptions
Are there files that I should review before submitting a FOIA request?
Yes. You can review agency documents in the DEEP Records Center (file room), the DEEP Document Online Search Portal, and the Connecticut Open Data Portal.
How long does it take to process a FOIA request?
DEEP receives many requests on a daily basis. For each request we must search our files to locate the requested records and determine which, if any, contain privileged information. Your search will be conducted as promptly as possible, but may take 10-12 weeks or longer. Once completed, you will be notified of the number of documents that have been compiled.
Are there any fees related to the FOIA request?
Copying fees are assessed at $ 0.25 per page. If certified copies are requested the fee is $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for subsequent pages. Documents that currently exist in electronic format will be provided at no cost. Please be advised that if your total cost exceeds $10.00, you will need to pre-pay before documents will be released to you.
I am researching several properties. Can I submit one FOIA request for all of them?
No. Each request can identify only one specific property location. You will need to submit separate requests for each additional property. Note: Please be as specific as possible regarding the type of information you are requesting.
In what format will the requested documents be provided?
Requested documents will only be provided in the format in which they presently exist within the DEEP records.
I have already submitted a FOIA request, should I search other resources such as the Records Center (public file room)?
If you decide that your needs may be more quickly addressed if you review the files yourself, please notify the FOIA Administrator of your intention to review file room documents so they may note the same on your submitted request. We cannot guarantee that all of the requested documents are currently available within our public file room.
If after your review you still wish to proceed with your originally submitted FOIA request, please notify the FOIA Administrator so they can ensure that your request is put back into the schedule for processing.
Can I find out the status of my FOIA request?
You may contact the FOIA Administrator to request information regarding the status of your FOIA request.
How do I make a FOIA Request?
Freedom of Information Requests for documents from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (other than for Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) documents) under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act should be made using the DEEP FOIA Request form. You may submit your completed form via email to DEEP.FOIA@ct.gov, fax to (860) 424-4053 or send by regular mail to:
FOIA Administrator
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06106
All requests submitted to the agency by reporters or other members of the media will be treated as FOIA requests.
How do I make a FOIA Request for PURA documents?
View the additional information on submitting FOIA requests to DEEP/Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
The mission of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission is “to administer and enforce the provisions of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act, and to thereby ensure citizen access to the records and meetings of public agencies in the State of Connecticut.”
For additional information on the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, go to portal.ct.gov/foi or contact the Commission by phone at (860) 566-5682 or via e-mail at foi@ct.gov.