Sen. Linares Launches Petition Drive to Fight Future Rate Hikes

Sen. Linares (at center right) on Sep. 3 joined with area residents at New London City Hall to voice his opposition to the proposed CL&P rate hike. Sen. Linares has created an online petition at www.senatorlinares.com where area residents can sound off about electric rate hikes and urge state regulators to fight future hikes.

“We cannot afford higher electricity rates.”

Sen. Art Linares has created an online petition at www.senatorlinares.com where area residents can sound off about electric rate hikes and urge state regulators to fight future hikes.

“Many people have asked me what they can do to help me to fight rate hikes,” Sen. Linares said. “One way is to take our message to the decision-makers. The signatures on this petition will be delivered to state electricity regulators soon. The message we are sending is clear: We cannot afford higher electricity rates.”

Sen. Linares on Sep. 3 joined with area residents at New London City Hall to voice his opposition to the proposed Connecticut Light & Power rate hike. Sen. Linares addressed state regulators during a packed public hearing on the proposal.

“I represent 100,000 people,” Sen. Linares said during the Sep. 3 public hearing. “As state senator for towns in the Connecticut River Valley from Portland to Lyme, I hear from them every day. I have received many calls and emails on the issue of the rate hike. All of the calls and emails have been from people who are opposed to the rate hike. This rate hike could cost the average ratepayer an extra $150 a year. A senior citizen from Clinton told me there is no way he and his wife can afford to pay an extra $150 a year. There are many, many more people who are in the same situation. Please consider them when you make your decision. Reject this request for a rate hike. There is no way that our seniors, our working families, and our most vulnerable citizens can afford $150 more a year.”

Sen. Linares noted that consumers have a choice in their electric supplier. A list of suppliers and their rates can be found at www.energizect.com . Residents can also call 1‑877‑WISE‑USE (877-947-3873) for assistance in picking a supplier.

In addition, Sen. Linares said help is available to get your home energy efficient. The state’s Home Energy Solutions-Core Services program gives people an opportunity to get an “energy checkup” for their home. For $99, a local expert can come to your home to examine where you might be losing energy and where you are using more energy than needed. All residential customers are eligible for this program. Applications are available on your local electric or gas company’s website. For more information, visit www.energizect.com or call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).