Bethany Legislators Hold ‘Informative’ Electric Rate Forum with Seniors
BETHANY- State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) and Sen. George Logan (R-17) held an Electric Choice and Rate Forum with the assistance of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) for Bethany seniors at the Bethany Senior Center on April 3.
Both legislators have received constituent calls and emails inquiring about choices for electric suppliers and what the different charges on their electric bill mean.
Rep. Zupkus said, “Navigating the electric market can be confounding, with some companies charging enrollment or cancellation fees that can negate the savings a consumer was looking to achieve.”
Zupkus added that she voted for a new state law in 2015 that banned variable-rate contracts for residential customers but unfortunately electric rates can still rise when the initial contract period expires.
Sen. Logan said, “Electric bills are confusing. That’s why we want to help people get their questions answered. Our goal is to get the facts out to seniors about electric rates and help them to avoid scams. I thank Rep. Zupkus, AARP, and everyone at the Senior Center for helping to lead this very useful community discussion. The turnout was excellent, and I look forward to future informative events like this one.”
As opposed to 3rd party suppliers available to consumers, AARP told Bethany residents that they may choose the Standard Service which is the generation supply option provided by Eversource and United Illuminating and is available to all residential and small business customers.
According to AARP representatives, electric customers who are uncertain if they’re paying too much for their electricity are able to check the first page of their monthly bill, which includes their current rate, term, expiration date and a comparison with what they would pay with standard service.
Electric consumers can also go to energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers and plug in their monthly usage figures for a customized rate comparison.