April 16, 2025

Bipartisan Push for S.B. 1560: Rep. Yaccarino Champions $1 Billion in Energy Cost Relief for Connecticut

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HARTFORD–State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) joined State Senator John Fonfara, Senate President Pro Tempore Looney, Republican Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, and members of the Energy and Finance Committees at a bipartisan press conference today to tackle Connecticut’s utility rate crisis, which burdens families and businesses daily. With the nation’s second-highest energy rates, this collaborative effort introduces S.B. 1560 to deliver substantial cost relief.

The proposed legislation restructures energy procurement and promotes efficiency, potentially saving Connecticut residents and businesses $1 billion annually. Key provisions include:

Residential Bill Reduction: Eliminating the $1 billion public benefits charge from 2024 customer bills, funding it through state bonds to reduce typical residential bills by up to 25%.
Commercial Customer Savings: Removing sales tax and demand charges, which can account for 50-60% of electricity bills, and introducing a 7-cent/kWh fee to support utility network upgrades.
Solar Cost Equity: Mitigating higher rates for non-solar customers due to solar panel adoption, ensuring fair cost distribution.
Storm Damage Mitigation: Bonding utility storm damage costs, such as Eversource’s hundreds of millions, to prevent sudden rate spikes.

“Connecticut families and businesses are struggling with sky-high electricity bills, and we must act swiftly to provide relief,” said Rep. Yaccarino. “By removing the public benefits charge and eliminating commercial sales taxes, S.B. 1560 offers immediate financial relief while maintaining a reliable energy grid. I’m proud to support this bipartisan solution.”

Rep. Yaccarino emphasized a balanced energy strategy: “I’ve always advocated for an across-the-board energy policy—embracing natural gas, nuclear, wind, and solar. Green energy is the future, but we must prioritize affordability now by reducing taxes and charges to ease the burden on our residents and businesses.”

This bipartisan initiative reflects a commitment to affordability, sustainability, and resilience for Connecticut’s energy future.

Statement from State Rep. Dave Yaccarino on PURA Chair Reappointment

“Governor Lamont’s reappointment of Marissa Gillett as PURA Chair is a mistake. Connecticut families are struggling with high electric costs, and they deserve leadership that delivers results and tells the truth. During her reconfirmation hearing, I asked Chair Gillett directly about the deleted text messages tied to an ongoing legal matter. I didn’t get a […]

July 1, 2025

Representative Dave Yaccarino Helps Pass New Law to Support Families of Fallen First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Dave Yaccarino (R-87) is proud to announce the passage of a new bipartisan law that provides critical support to the families of Connecticut’s first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. Representative Yaccarino co-sponsored Senate Bill 1239, which renames the Fallen Officer Fund to the Fallen Officer and […]

June 27, 2025