Case Calls for Lower Energy Costs

Hartford – State Rep. Jay Case and his fellow Republicans put forth a legislative package aimed at lowering of energy costs. The proposals are designed to create both short- and long-term relief for ratepayers Additionally, the package ensures strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers.

“We have to help ratepayers pay their electricity rates. This package would save the average household around $210 annually on energy costs,” said Case. “One way we can ensure that we do not end up in this position going forward is to implement strong oversight over the utility companies, specifically by creating autonomy for the state’s utilities regulatory authority.”

The proposals detailed by Senate and House Republicans include:

• Moving charges resulting from public policy decisions from ratepayer bills to the state budget. (estimated savings: $362 million annually)
• Bringing all clean energy sources into the state’s green energy strategy by adding nuclear power and all sources of hydro power to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program.
• Improving the Standard Service Procurement process by examining the differing ways CT’s large utilities, small municipal owned utilities, and other states all procure power.
• Restoring independence to utility rate regulators by separating PURA from DEEP.
• Giving PURA more discretion and flexibility in decoupling to protect ratepayers.
• Establishing utility rate case oversight to ensure that resolutions of rate cases and settlements are made in the best interest of ratepayers and not for other political considerations.

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