Sen. Markley Sends Anti-Electricity Rate Hike Petition to State Regulators; Decision Expected Soon

Hartford, CT – Senator Joe Markley (R-Southington) sent state regulators a list today of more than 200 Connecticut rate payers who want to see Connecticut Light & Power’s latest proposed service rate hike rejected.

The ratepayers had signed Markley’s anti-rate hike petition posted at www.senatormarkley.com .

The rate hike could cost the average ratepayer an extra $150 a year. Unfortunately, senior citizens and those on fixed incomes will be hit hard. Many lawmakers have been joining with constituents in asking the Public Utility Regulatory Agency (PURA) to consider the hardships this will create when they make their decision.

“I am asking regulators to reject this request for a rate hike,” added Sen. Markley. “The burden is already too much for many families and struggling businesses. High energy costs are a problem already for our state economy–this dramatic rate hike would make a bad situation much worse.”

Markley plans to file legislation next month that would require rate hikes in excess of ten percent come before the General Assembly for approval. “We’ve taken ourselves out of the process, and I’m afraid that’s a mistake,” Markley said. “I’d like to find a way for us as legislators to protect citizens from back-breaking rate increases.”

A draft decision from PURA is expected soon.