January 23, 2023

A More Affordable Energy Policy

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(HARTFORD) — On January 17^th, State Representative Joe Zullo (R-99) joined House and Senate Republicans in releasing a comprehensive plan to combat record energy expenses in Connecticut. The package of proposals presents a long-term solution to reducing the costs of electric bills, ultimately making state energy programs more affordable.

More specifically, the plan consists of policies which will serve to lower energy costs for CT families by more than $362 million per year, saving the average household over $210 next year. Looking ahead, this package will draw down costs and implement significant ratepayer protections against utilities.

An outline of the plan’s goals can be found below:

To make energy more affordable and reliable by reducing costs immediately as well as expanding and encouraging reliable and affordable generation over the long term
To ensure strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers

“We can’t keep leaving our residents in the dark about their electric bills,” said Rep. Zullo. “Now is the time to call for more independent oversight on our rate regulation, returning more control to the general public on how they pay their energy bills. I am excited to be supporting this plan that will roll out effective cost reduction over the course of several years, providing a stable and long-term solution to current unreasonable energy costs.”

As stated, Connecticut ranks number one in the continental United States as the most expensive state for electricity (Source: Energy Information Administration via Ownerly October 2021 through September 2022).

This January, our state utilities implemented shocking rate increases, raising everyone’s electric bills by at least 43 percent at a time when families already face historic inflation.

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.

For more information on the full package proposal, please see the link to the PDF here: https://cdn.cthousegop.com/2023/01/Energy_Affordability_SRO_HRO_Upload.pdf and consider watching the complete press conference on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/QtcwOhIAUYA