Sick of Rising Electricity Costs? Help is Available.

Sen. Art Linares, seated at right, testified Sep. 3 in New London City Hall against the proposed CL&P rate hike which could cost the average ratepayer an extra $150 a year. Linares said residents cannot afford the rate hike. A decision by state officials on the rate hike proposal is expected in December.)

Many of you have joined me in speaking out against the proposed hikes to our electricity rates.

Thank you for helping me fight this unaffordable proposal.

Now, as we wait for state officials to decide whether those rates will rise, I want to make you aware of ways in which you can lower your bills.

You have a choice in your electric supplier.

• A list of suppliers and their rates can be found at http://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers.
• Questions about picking a supplier can be found at http://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers/Suppliers-FAQ
• Tips for making the right choice can be found at http://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers/How-to-assess-suppliers.
• You can also call 1‑877‑WISE‑USE (877-947-3873) for assistance in picking a supplier.

Help is available to get your home energy efficient.

• The state’s Home Energy Solutions-Core Services (HES) 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 of CL&P, UI, CNG, SCG and Yankee Gas are eligible for this program. Applications are available on your local electric or gas company’s website. For more information, visit http://www.energizect.com/residents/programs/home-energy-solutions-core-services or call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).
• If your family’s combined gross annual income is below the state’s 60 percent income median, you may qualify for a similar program. The Home Energy Solutions – Income-Eligible Program provides free services to qualified customers. This program involves the same home “checkup,” but does so at no cost to the consumer. To see if you qualify, visit http://www.energizect.com/residents/programs/save-energy-and-money-all-year-long/

You now have a Bill of Rights.

• This spring, I voted in favor of the “Electric Supplier Consumers’ Bill of Rights”. That legislation, which is now state law, increases protections for residential consumers by requiring electricity suppliers to provide very clear and specific information about how much they are being charged for electricity. The law is a response to numerous consumers who suffered spiking electricity rates that caught them off-guard at prices two or three times what they had been paying previously. These new protections will help consumers and promote honest business practices across our state. No one should have to worry about deceptive marketing tactics concerning essential needs like electricity.

Many people are unaware that this help is available.

Please share this information with friends and neighbors.

As always, contact me with any questions, comments or ideas for future legislation that can help consumers like you.

Thank you!