Zawistowski Concerned Over Proposed CL&P Fixed Fee Hike
HARTFORD — State Rep. Tami Zawistowski today said she is opposed to a Connecticut Light & Power proposal that would see residential customers pay an increase to the fixed service fee on their monthly statements, a part of the bill sheltered from the energy efficiency efforts of cost-conscious consumers.
Under the CL&P proposal, the fixed residential service fee would increase by roughly 60 percent, growing to $25.50 per month from $16 per month. The utility company, as reported by The Hartford Courant, contends it makes investments in grid infrastructure that are needed regardless of how much power customers take from the system while rates are based primarily on electric usage.
According to CL&P testimony cited by the Courant, the utility will continue to push for more rates to be fixed—an industry trend that’s becoming a topic for discussion in states throughout the nation.
“This proposal is alarming for many Connecticut residents because it represents a major change in the company’s relationship with its customers,” said Zawistowski, who represents the 61st General Assembly District serving Suffield, East Granby and Windsor. “This path, essentially a fee for being a customer, will lead to people having less control over their monthly bills no matter how vigilant they are about flicking off light switches or using the clothesline instead of the dryer on a nice day.”
The proposal will be reviewed by the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
The proposed increase to the fixed service rate will see residential customers pay $306 per year, an increase of $114 over the $192 they currently pay annually.
Connecticut residents already feel the strain of electric costs that are among the nation’s highest, Zawistowski said.
Zawistowski added that a shift to fixed rate increases could undermine years of time, money and effort to encourage people to conserve energy.
“The far-reaching implications of this proposal deserve deep consideration,” she said.