REP. BOLINSKY, CT REPUBLICANS UNVEIL A BETTER WAY TO ENERGY AFFORDABILITY

REP. BOLINSKY, CT REPUBLICANS UNVEIL A BETTER WAY TO ENERGY AFFORDABILITY

Will Save Families Over $210 Per Year Immediately, More Over the Long Term

HARTFORD – State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) joined his House and Senate Republican colleagues for the unveiling of a detailed state-wide comprehensive package of policy proposals to reduce the cost of electric bills and make energy more affordable over the long term for working families and retired seniors living on fixed incomes.

“This is a thoughtful plan that looks to address and lessen the escalating cost of electricity for our constituents,” Rep. Bolinsky said.  “Connecticut has the highest energy costs in the country outside of Hawaii. Working families and those on fixed incomes in Newtown and the entire state have had enough and deserve relief from the excessive state fees and cost-adding mandates that contribute to the exorbitant, rising prices of electricity in Connecticut.”

The policies will reduce energy costs for CT families by over $362 million per year, saving the average household over $210 next year, to start.  In the long run, the plan will drive down costs by even more and implement important ratepayer protections against utilities.

The package of legislative proposals will address two major goals:

1. Make energy more affordable and reliable, by reducing costs immediately as well as expanding and encouraging reliable and affordable generation over the long term.
2. Ensure strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers.

The plan, “A Better Way to Energy Affordability”, would work by:

• Moving charges resulting from public policy decisions from ratepayer bills to the state budget. (estimated savings: $362 million annually)
• Bringing all clean energy sources into the state’s green energy strategy by adding nuclear power and sources of hydro power to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program.
• Improving the Standard Service Procurement process by examining the differing ways CT’s large utilities, small municipal owned utilities, and other states all procure power.
• Restoring independence to utility rate regulators by separating PURA from DEEP.
• Giving PURA more discretion and flexibility in price decoupling to protect ratepayers.
• Establishing utility rate case oversight to ensure that resolutions of rate cases and settlements are made in the best interest of ratepayers and not for other political considerations.

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