Sen. Markley Launches Petition Drive to Fight Future Rate Hikes

“We cannot afford higher electricity rates.”

Hartford, CT – Sen. Joe Markley (R-Southington) has created an online petition at www.senatormarkley.com where area residents can sound off about electric rate hikes and urge state regulators to fight future hikes. 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,” said Sen. Markley.

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.”

Sen. Markley suggests 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, 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. For more information, visit www.energizect.com or call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).