Say “NO!”…to Eversource’s Energy Rate Increase Request
January 2, 2018NO… to EVERSOURCE’s Energy Rate Increase Request
By State Senator Tony Hwang
The region’s largest utility provider is proposing a multimillion dollar rate hike over the next three years.
If approved, this would cost Eversource ratepayers, on average 6.79 percent more, in a state that already has some of the highest electric delivery rates in the country.
The three-year rate request lists a $255 million increase for year one, followed by a $45 million hike in year two, then $36 million more in year three.
I am opposed to the proposed increase request and I continue to demand greater responsiveness and respect to and for the consumer.
I will fight for our consumers.
We need policies which keep Connecticut residents in Connecticut, not drive them out.
Our seniors.
Our vulnerable residents.
Our working families.
And our millennials – our future workforce and our future job creators.
I spoke out against double digit health insurance rate hikes last year.
And I spoke out against the suggested Home Heating Oil tax.
And I spoke out against the proposed 30 % UI energy rate hikes in 2016.
And now I’m speaking out against these proposed Eversource rate hikes as well.
These hikes, if approved, will add an extra $150 a year to people’s electricity bills.
I urge consumers to join me in urging that state of Connecticut regulators to turn out the lights on these proposed hikes.
When you contact state officials, ask them where predictability has gone.
Also, ask them where transparency has gone.
Without predictability, sustainability and transparency, we have an unfair situation which hurts Connecticut families. How does an elderly person on fixed income, struggling families and our most vulnerable population endure that outrageous cost increase? They cannot and we need to protect them.
My larger objective is to find alternative solutions in creating a more sustainable, renewable and affordable energy ecosystem into the future, rather than the current business model of escalating costs and placing undue cost burden onto consumers.
This is madness and it has got to stop. Current energy costs in Connecticut are the highest in the nation. These potential hikes are unacceptable and unaffordable.
But in the meantime:
Please spread the word to friends and neighbors as to how they can weigh in.
Are you tired of rate hikes?
Join me in speaking out and contact the CT Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)
1) Send a brief email to [email protected] saying “NO” to rate hikes
2) Attach my email: [email protected] and I will hand deliver to the state agency
3) Put PURA Docket No. 17-10-46 in the subject line.
Public Hearings for testimony are scheduled for:
• Jan. 24, 6 p.m., 10 Franklin Square, New Britain.
• Jan. 30, 6 p.m., Government Center, Stamford.
• Jan. 31, 6 p.m., Branford Fire Department, Branford.
• Feb. 6, 6 p.m., Council Chambers, New London.