Get the FACTS about the Public Benefits Charge

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the last few months you’ve been hearing a lot of rhetoric about your electric bill, and who’s to blame for the higher-than-usual costs this year. Most of this finger pointing is based on emotions and misinformation, and is frankly, flat out wrong.

Don’t believe the hyperbole and don’t fall for the hysteria.

Despite the scary narrative being pushed by majority party Democrats, Connecticut’s nuclear energy providers are a small portion of your bill. It is estimated that in 2025, Eversource’s public benefits charge will be north of $800 million. The total nuclear energy charges during that same period are expected to be less than 6% of the public benefits charge.

The fact is that the Public Benefits Charge is NOT going away!

It is comprised of dozens of taxes, fees, and mandates – there are more than 50 of them! – including several renewable energy charges, hardship arrearages and the low-income discount rate that drive up your bill.  

The hardship arrearages and low income discount rates account for $266 million – or roughly 33% of the public benefits charge.

It’s death by a thousand cuts, and a truly negative return on our investment.

Call to Action!

As a member of the committee, I continue to work with my colleagues to reduce the burden on ratepayers. Unfortunately, the detailed, six-point Republican proposal has so far been dismissed by Democrats.