December 3, 2020

Buckbee Applauds PURA Decision to Suspend the Implementation of Requested Electric Rate Increases

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New Milford – On Wednesday the state’s public utilities regulatory authority (PURA) met to review requested rate increases by both Eversource and United Illuminating. Over the summer, a rate hike had initially been requested by Eversource and approved by PURA in June. That’s when Rep. Buckbee (R-New Milford) stepped in and brought the voice of the New Milford community to PURA. Eversource’s requested rate hike was consequently suspended. PURA’s decision on Wednesday re-affirmed the need to vet all rate hike requests at greater detail before they can be approved.

“We had little to no notice about the initial rate hike increases back in June. I worked with PURA’s Commissioner in order to express the concerns of our community. I reiterated that most residents and businesses simply cannot afford a rate hike amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Rep. Buckbee. “I continued to have conversations with PURA and Eversource over the recent months and I applaud the decision to focus on consumer-friendly policies first, before allowing another rate increase to go through.”

Rep. Buckbee identified that there is an education component to understanding the associated rates and costs that go in to the final number of one’s electricity bill. In Special Session Buckbee supported a new law that requires PURA to further vet rate hike requests from utility companies. He also supported the concept to provide an improved billing layout, which will better explain the components of an individual’s electricity bill.

“Earlier in the year, I supported a legislative fix to bring the rate approval process into the public eye. PURA’s decisions earlier this week are in line with the intent of the law, which is aimed at creating greater community and consumer outreach on electricity rate hikes, and to vet hike requests in more detail. This is a step in the right direction, and I will continue to work on this issue through the upcoming session,” said Buckbee.

To understand your electric bill better, you can access PURA’s slideshow presentation by clicking here.

The Connecticut General Assembly is set to begin its official business on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

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