Scott, Republicans Unveil A Better Way to Energy Affordability

HARTFORD – State Representative Tony Scott (R-112) joined Senate and House Republican Leaders Tuesday to detail a comprehensive package of policy proposals to reduce the cost of electric bills and make energy more affordable over the long term.

The policies will reduce energy costs for Connecticut families by over $362 million per year, saving the average household over $210 next year.  In the long run, the plan will drive down costs by even more and implement important ratepayer protections against utilities.

The package of legislative proposals will address two major goals:

1. Make energy more affordable and reliable, by reducing costs immediately as well as expanding and encouraging reliable and affordable generation over the long term; and
2. Ensure strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers.

“The cost of heating a home in Connecticut has skyrocketed in the past two years. People are seeing so much of their hard-earned dollars suddenly going into their electric bills, despite their energy usage not changing during that time,” said Scott. “Policies that work for ratepayers and protect Connecticut families should be under discussion. Restoring independence to utility rate regulators by separating the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is one step the legislature should consider.”

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.