Connecticut has officially launched the Innovative Energy Solutions Program, a “regulatory sandbox” aimed at rolling out new ideas for a decarbonized, affordable and equitable electric grid in the state.

The program, established in March of last year by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, will give out $25 million in funding each project cycle, with a maximum project award of $5 million.

The idea is in part to “break up the inertia of electric utility service in Connecticut,” PURA Chairman Marissa Gillett said back when the program was announced.

The utilities can take part too, however: They would be expected to put forward “innovative customer programs and/or tariff structures.” PURA gave the examples of an advanced critical peak pricing tariff for commercial customers, and the development of a “bring your own device program” to enhance demand flexibility.

Applicants can send in their ideas for innovating through an online portal, which opened Friday.

Eligible projects don’t have to be based in Connecticut, and the types of pilots the state is looking for cover a broad range: “products, services [and] programs that are ready to be tested and have the potential to provide widespread benefits to the grid and ratepayers.”

Once selected, the applicants will have 12 to 18 months to launch their projects and collect performance data.

PURA is holding an information session Tuesday for potential applicants to learn more about the program.