July 30, 2020

Electricity Rate Hikes

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Many of you have reached out to my office recently with concerns regarding electricity increases charged by Eversource as of July 1. I am writing to reassure you that I have heard your concerns, and I have taken action.

I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Marissa Paslick Gillett, Chairman of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA); John W. Betkoski III, Vice Chairman of PURA; and Michael Caron, Utility Commissioner of PURA calling for an immediate suspension to these rate increases and also demanding a legislative hearing so that a detailed explanation of these seemingly excessive charges is provided.

Click on the image below to access the letter sent to PURA officials:

To provide you with some more background information, in October of 2017, the legislature passed PA 17-3 in special session to enable the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to procure up to 12.3 million kWh annually from certain zero-carbon generating sources, including nuclear. At the time, many believed that this bill was necessary to prevent the closure of the Millstone nuclear power plant, and that it would save thousands of high-paying jobs, and help the state meet its long-term goals to reduce carbon emissions in the state.

On June 26, 2020, the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved the rate increase.

Breaking down your electric bill:

An electric bill has two components, the supply charge and the delivery charge.

The supply charge (the cost of the power for customers on the standard offer rate and serves as a pass through cost) decreased from 9.414 cents per kWh to 7.375 cents per kWh – about a $14.27 per month decrease for an average residential home (700 kWh).
The delivery charge (covers costs including operational expenses, renewable energy contracts and mandates required by the state) increased about $19.85 per month for an average residential home (700 kWh)

It is my understanding that the delivery charge rate increases were due to:

Reduced New England Transmission loads on high voltage power lines (necessitated increase in rates from 2.601 cents per kWh to 3.785 cents per kWh), and
Mandated power purchase agreement for Millstone Nuclear (increased rates from 1.585 cents per kWh to 3.048 cents per kWh)

Energy Saving tips:

To help keep electric costs down, the public can shop EnergizeCT for lower rates online at: https://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers
Keep air conditioner filters and coils clean and don’t block air flow
Conserve energy by using larger appliances early in the morning or late at night when the demand for electricity is reduced

Sincerely,
State Representative Dave Yaccarino