Sen. Sampson: CT’s Energy Crisis is the Last Straw

On the heels of recent double-digit electricity rate increases that include “Public Benefits” charges, State Sen. Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott) today reminded consumers of the underlying reasons for the staggering increase and why change is needed.

Of the several reasons, he specifically targeted the “Public Benefits” charge on customer bills that reflects the need for utility companies to recoup the revenue lost during a four-year payment moratorium. This payment moratorium included 1.2 million customers in the state with an average arrears of $278 dollars.

“Connecticut families are reeling, and the staggering electricity rate increase that includes a preposterous “public benefits” charge should be the last straw for support of progressive Democrat policies. Of course, a multi-year government-mandated moratorium on electricity shutoffs created a massive shortfall for Connecticut’s electric utility providers. The bill has now come due. Nothing in this world is ‘free,’ as much as progressive Democrats would like our residents to believe. Once again, it is the responsible ratepayers who will bear the burden. When is enough, enough?

“I understand everyone’s outrage. As a homeowner, I am equally outraged. I also understand that simply expressing outrage does not help people across the state to pay these astronomical bills. Nor does it help people by reminding them that my Senate Republican colleagues and I offered specific proposals over the past year to reduce electricity costs. We sought to reduce energy bills by studying the elimination of mandates, fees, and taxes hidden in the ‘public benefits’ section of the bills.

“Our proposals were voted down by the majority in the legislature, and this is a disservice to Connecticut residents and businesses that are out of options. Legislative Democrats have proven, time and time again, to be tone deaf as they’ve imposed policies that make Connecticut one of most expensive states to live and do business.

“Please know that I have NEVER voted for any bill that would raise your utility rates or taxes since I have been in office. There are few of us, but you do have some strong voices working for you at the Capitol attempting to prevent the policies that have led to our current problems—and not just electric rates,” said Sen. Sampson.

Sen. Sampson also pointed to the following legislative policies that are to blame:

• Disproportionately favoring one form of home heating over another, exacerbating the supply problem
• placing the main watchdog agency to protect consumers under the policymaking agency
• regulations that prevent nuclear and hydro expansion

He, along with Senate and House Republicans, offered a package of policy proposals as early as 2023, and again in 2024 to forestall the double-digit increases that customers see today. Notably, the Republican package included a proposal to study the removal of fees and costs associated with state government policy decisions from energy bills, and instead appropriately transfer these costs to the state budget—to mitigate the “Public Benefits” charge on bills that has contributed to widespread consumer outrage.

Attached graphic: A breakdown of your electric bill.