Carpino Applauds Consumer Protections for Electric Ratepayers

HARTFORD—Legislation that offers protections for customers who purchase electricity from retail suppliers rather than the two major transmission companies was hailed by State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell & Portland).

The proposal (S.B. 2) is a response to residents on variable rate plans from third party suppliers who complained they had no idea that their rates had changed until they saw dramatic increases to mid and late-winter electric bills.

“Many residents contacted me with concerns, and outrage, about the massive electric rate spikes during the winter months that occurred without notice or warning. It is my hope this legislation, which includes an Electric Ratepayers Bill of Rights, protects residents from these deceptive and predatory practices. Additional information and better transparency are protections for electric consumers,” said Rep. Carpino.

Under the legislation, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority must impose a new billing format by July 1, 2015 that will clearly show the retail supplier’s rate compared to the standard rate offered by Connecticut Light & Power or United Illuminating. The new billing format must also include the length of the contract, any scheduled rate change in the next billing cycle, and information about contract cancellation fees.

The legislation passed through the House by a 145-0 vote on Monday afternoon.

Other customer-friendly aspects of the bill include a prohibition on suppliers increasing rates within the first three billing cycles on new contracts after July 1, 2014. Retail electric suppliers must also notify residential customers before rate hikes, and they can’t charge cancellation or early termination fees to customers who move within the state and don’t change suppliers.