Sen. Fasano Questions Eversource Rate Increase Request

February 1, 2019

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) is raising questions about Eversource’s latest rate increase request. Eversource is seeking permission to charge ratepayers for $152.5 million in emergency repair costs following recent storms.

Senator Fasano raised questions in a letter sent to Eversource CEO and President James J. Judge. Fasano is questioning why Eversource did not have a contingency plan in place to respond to storms within current resources. He also asks if ratepayers can expect a drop in rates once the requested funds are recovered, or if ratepayers will continue to see their rates go up.

“As you are well aware, Eversource has sought out multiple rate increases in recent years, asking for more of Connecticut residents time and again. Connecticut in particular has some of the highest energy costs for ratepayers in the country. Therefore, any time Eversource asks for more from ratepayers, that burden weighs heavy on residents, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet,” Fasano wrote.

“I understand that as a utility providing service to millions of people, small changes can lead to very large expenses. However, I also expect Eversource to plan accordingly for severe weather and have contingency plans in place.”

Sen. Fasano asked for a history of rate increases and shared questions about the requested $152.5 million and how this request compares to previous rate increases following other storms.

“I would like to know if your most recent proposal to increase rates on customers following recent storms is a temporary rate increase and if rates will decrease once you have recovered identified funds, or if rates will remain elevated even after you have collected the $152.5 million you are requesting. I would also like to know if this situation is similar to storm-related rate increases in 2013, and if rates were ever lowered once those funds were recovered for the 2013 storms,” wrote Fasano.

“At first glance, your most recent request to push storm-related expenses onto ratepayers seems extreme to me and I fear is a burden our residents cannot shoulder at a time they are already facing increased energy costs from Eversource. I would like to also see any information you have about why Eversource was not financially prepared to handle responding to the recent storms.”

LetterFasanoEversource

Click to view full letter.