Markley starts petition to object to rate hikes [Bristol Press]

Article as it appeared in the Bristol Press

SOUTHINGTON — Connecticut residents who are concerned about the prospect of increased electricity rates have a new venue in which to voice their complaints, with the help of Sen. Joe Markley, R-Southington.

Markley has created an online petition at senatormarkley.com, on which residents can sound off about rate hikes and urge state regulators to fight future increases. Markley is also pushing for new legislation to put the legislature back into the process of deciding rate increases.

“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,” Markley said in a prepared release.

Officials estimate proposed rate increases could cost the average electricity customer an extra $150 per year. Lawmakers say they are most concerned about senior citizens and those on fixed incomes and are asking the Public Utility Regulatory Agency to step in.
“I am asking regulators to reject this request for a rate hike,” Markley said. “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 propose legislation that would require rate hikes greater than 10 percent come before the General Assembly for approval. “We’ve taken ourselves out of the process, and I’m afraid that’s a mistake. I’d like to find a way for us as legislators to protect citizens from back-breaking rate increases.”

A list of suppliers and their rates can be found at energizect.com. Residents can also call 1-877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873) for assistance in picking a supplier.

In addition, 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 subsequently losing dollars. All residential customers are eligible for this program. Applications are available on your local electric or gas company’s website.