Carpino: The Latest on CT Electric Rates

In an effort to keep you informed, I’m writing to let you know that you can soon expect to see a significant increase to your electric bill. The state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which operates independently of the legislature, has approved Connecticut Light & Power’s request to increase the residential generation rate for Standard Service customers to 12.629 cents per kilowatt hour from 9.99 cents per kilowatt hour. The increase, approved Monday, is effective Jan. 1 – only about six weeks away.  The Standard Service rate, by law, is adjusted twice a year for residential and small commercial customers—on Jan. 1 and July 1—so you can expect to feel the increase through at least June 2015.

You should also know that PURA is also considering an additional proposal from CL&P to increase its fixed service fee on monthly bills to $25.50 from $16.  I strongly oppose this increase and have written to CL&P about my concerns over the proposed increase. Not only will the fixed fee increase limit your ability to control your energy costs through conservation, but in addition to the rate increase, the added cost from this proposal is simply too much for customers to take. A decision on the fixed service fee increase is expected soon.

PURA recommends that consumers email them directly with questions about these rate increases: pura.information@ct.gov and pura.executivesecretary@ct.gov.

During the last session, we passed legislation to ensure transparency and to protect customers who choose alternate suppliers.  The “Electric Supplier Consumers’ Bill of Rights” requires suppliers to provide very clear and specific information about electric rates and fees. If you are a Standard Service rate customer (meaning, you get your supply from CL&P), you have the option to leave your current supplier and choose a new one. If you decide to change suppliers, it may reduce your electricity rate, but not the fixed service fee.

The process of switching suppliers is not difficult and can be done through the http://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers/standard-offer. If you have additional questions about the process of switching suppliers and can’t find an answer on the website, I encourage you to call 877-947-3873.

As always, feel free to contact my office with questions, comments and concerns about issues related to state government.