Buckbee Pens Letter to PURA regarding Rate Increases & Storm Response
Chairperson Gillett,
I appreciate you taking the time to address recent consumer concerns about the state’s regulated utility, Eversource, both regarding delivery rate increases and the grossly inadequate storm response in August.
Let me first address the delivery rate. Existing rates across Connecticut (collectively for delivery and supply) being the highest in the nation it is our duty to address this issue and that duty falls to you as the front line to protect the state’s citizenry. I feel as though PURA has dropped the ball as much, if not more than Eversource. Supply is a completely different discussion, but I will focus my comments on the delivery fees.
When we speak directly to delivery fees, it should be noted that this is a fixed cost. While this cost can vary by use and charge by kilowatt hour, it is fixed. Any hike in that cost should have strict reasoning and strong public documentation as to why. The failure of communication about this rate increase caused great confusion and anxiety among my fellow New Milford residents and those across Connecticut who saw a drastic increase in the bills they received in July. I highly encourage you to explore ways in which PURA can conduct greater consumer outreach to produce this type of information. I also strongly urge you to consider the current pandemic and excessive heat that the summer months have brought upon us.
Tropical Storm Isaias disproportionately impacted towns across the state. New Milford is the largest town in Connecticut. 91 roads were closed for up to 5 days after the storm hit. A wire was laying across Route 202 for the same length of time. Consequently, I would request an answer to the following questions:
• Since 2011’s snowstorm, how many linemen have been cut from service in Eversource?
• Is this regularly reviewed by PURA considering emergency staffing?
• What is our emergency response protocol and why did it fail so incredibly?
Why was the call for mutual aid so late?
• Why were municipalities ignored in communication?
Again, it is PURA’s job to protect the people. Where is the regulation and what is the penalty put forth on Eversource for their poor performance? This penalty should not be a passthrough charge to the consumer but paid forth from the company directly and enforced in their guaranteed return. A failure on their behalf should force a lock to the delivery fee for up to one year from the time of the incident.
It’s my job as representative of the people to bring all these questions to you. PURA and Eversource must be held responsible and liable for the physical and monetary damage done.
Sincerely,
State Representative Bill Buckbee