Carpino, CT House and Senate Republicans Offer Ideas to Provide Consumers Relief on Electric Bills

HARTFORD- As Connecticut residents are opening up their January electricity bills, State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) along with her House and Senate Republican colleagues put forward a detailed six-point plan to bring about stability and relief for consumers.

Rep. Carpino said, “My commitment has always been to put Cromwell and Portland ratepayers first. As electric rates continue to soar, we’re stepping up and proposing much-needed relief, aiming to ease the burden on Connecticut working families and businesses. By delivering innovative long- and short-term solutions, we’re not just trying to help residents save money — we’re making strides toward a more affordable Connecticut for everyone.”

The plan is seen as the first legislative step in creating real electric utility reform. Carpino hopes bipartisan consensus can be reached on the following concepts:

1) remove Public Benefits Charges from electric bills

2) prohibit agreements that buy electricity at 150 % above the wholesale price

3) redefine “Class I renewable energy source” to include any

electricity generated from a hydropower or nuclear power generating facility 

4) separate PURA from DEEP 

5) eliminate any incentive program that increases electric demand, including, any electric vehicle rebate program

6) study ways to increase the supply of natural gas

In addition to co-sponsoring Senate Bill 647, An Act Concerning Protections for Consumer Access to Affordable Electricity, Rep. Carpino proposed legislation House Bill 5939 of her own which removes the charges collectively called the “Combined Public Benefits Charge” from electric bills. Carpino’s proposal would require that any such future charge be implemented only upon the affirmative vote of the General Assembly.