Sen. Sampson & Senate Republicans Announce Plan for CT Energy Affordability

Will Save Families Over $210 Per Year Immediately, More Over the Long Term

Yesterday State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) and Senate and House Republican Leaders detailed a comprehensive package of policy proposals to reduce the cost of electric bills and make energy more affordable over the long term.

The policies will reduce energy costs for CT families by over $362 million per year, saving the average household over $210 next year. In the long run, the plan will drive down costs by even more and implement important ratepayer protections against utilities.

The package of legislative proposals will address two major goals:

1. Make energy more affordable and reliable, by reducing costs immediately as well as expanding and encouraging reliable and affordable generation over the long term; and
2. Ensure strong oversight of utility companies to protect the best interest of ratepayers.

“Utility rates have climbed for the past decade, and my constituents continue to feel the undue burden. The dramatic spike in 2023 now underscores years of policy that have crushed families and businesses in our state. This is unacceptable. I offered bills in recent years with the intent of reversing this situation, and I am pleased that my Republican colleagues have joined me to create a Better Way to Energy Affordability in Connecticut. This plan directly addresses the hardships residents face to simply keep their lights on.

“I hope that all of my colleagues join us in advancing real solutions to solve this problem that’s plagued our state for far too long,” said Sen. Sampson.

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Connecticut ranks number one in the continental United States as the most expensive state for electricity (Source: Energy Information Administration via Ownerly October 2021 through September 2022). This January, our state utilities implemented shocking rate increases, raising everyone’s electric bills by at least 43 percent at a time when families already face historic inflation.

The proposals detailed by Senate and House Republicans include:

• Moving charges resulting from public policy decisions from ratepayer bills to the state budget. (estimated savings: $362 million annually)

• Bringing all clean energy sources into the state’s green energy strategy by adding nuclear power and all sources of hydro power to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program.

• Improving the Standard Service Procurement process by examining the differing ways CT’s large utilities, small municipal owned utilities, and other states all procure power.

• Restoring independence to utility rate regulators by separating PURA from DEEP.

• Giving PURA more discretion and flexibility in decoupling to protect ratepayers.

• Establishing utility rate case oversight to ensure that resolutions of rate cases and settlements are made in the best interest of ratepayers and not for other political considerations.

Click to read the plan.