Rep. Reddington-Hughes, Republicans Offer Energy Plan

As prices on natural gas, oil and electricity continue to climb statewide, State Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes (R-66) today joined her colleagues to unveil a Republican energy plan that will save Connecticut residents more than $210 annually.

The joint House and Senate proposal is an alternative and comprehensive package that will save Connecticut residents a projected $362 million per year by separating state policy decisions from each ratepayer’s bill, provides more investments in renewable energy, allows for greater state oversight of energy suppliers, improves the Standard Service Procurement process, and more.

“Costs have been rising for months on everything including food, medications, and certainly gas and oil yet little is being done on the state level to help Connecticut residents who are being crushed under the weight of these preventable increases,” Rep. Reddington-Hughes said. “The Republican caucuses have consistently advocated for lower taxes, to return surplus money to state residents, and a cap on energy rate increases, only to be dismissed by the governor and majority party. Unfortunately, now that the cold winter months are here and double-digit price hikes are being implemented families are being squeezed and there is no relief in sight.”

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.

“Our plan offers a detailed framework that will help Connecticut families deal with the ever-increasing cost of energy, make energy costs more affordable over the long term, and incentivize businesses to return or compete in the state’s energy markets,” Reddington-Hughes said.