PURA Approves Generation Rate Hike, Another Increase Looms…

The state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which operates independently of the legislature, has approved Connecticut Light & Power’s request to increase the residential generation rate for Standard Service customers to 12.629 cents per kilowatt hour from 9.99 cents per kilowatt hour. The increase is effective Jan. 1.

The rate hike, according to CL&P, is driven by  the high cost of natural gas used to make electricity. Additionally, they say a limited pipeline capacity also drives costs upward. State law requires that CL&P does not take a profit from this increase.

As a Standard Service rate customer (meaning, you get your supply from CL&P) you have the option to leave your current supplier and choose a new one.

The process of switching suppliers can be done through the Energize CT website. Changing suppliers will not interrupt your service, and your electricity will still be delivered by CL&P. If you have additional questions about the process of switching suppliers and can’t find an answer on the website, I encourage you to call 877-947-3873.

You should also know that PURA is considering an additional proposal from CL&P to increase its fixed service fee on monthly bills to $25.50 from $16. This is an increase I just cannot support. Not only will this limit your ability to control your energy costs through conservation, but in addition to Monday’s service rate increase the added cost from this proposal is simply too much for customers to take. A decision on the fixed service fee increase is expected soon.

PURA recommends that consumers email them directly with questions about these rate increases: pura.information@ct.gov  and pura.executivesecretary@ct.gov.