Senator Martin Calls for Special Legislative Session to Address High Electric Rates in Connecticut
August 27, 2024Lawmakers continue to offer proposals for long-term relief
(Watch the press conference here.)
(Demand a Special Session at www.SpecialSessionCT.com)
HARTFORD, CT – In response to the ongoing burden of high electric rates on Connecticut residents, Senator Henri Martin (R-Bristol), alongside House and Senate Republicans, is calling for a special legislative session to address this pressing issue. A petition is being submitted to Connecticut’s Secretary of the State, urging the General Assembly to convene and pass critical policies aimed at providing long-term relief to ratepayers.
“Connecticut families are struggling under the weight of exorbitant electricity bills,” said Senator Henri Martin. “We are asserting with the majority party to call us into special session. Our constituents deserve relief now, not later. It’s time for action, and it’s time to listen to the voices of those who are impacted daily by these high costs.”
The petition highlights a comprehensive plan to alleviate financial pressures, including moving “Public Benefit Charges” off ratepayer bills and reallocating unobligated funds to provide immediate relief. Additional measures include capping future Power Purchase Agreements, redefining renewable energy sources for cost reduction, and restoring the independence of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority.
“These common-sense policy solutions are designed to reshape Connecticut’s energy landscape for the benefit of all ratepayers,” Senator Martin continued. “We invite our Democratic colleagues to join us in this bipartisan effort. Let’s prioritize the needs of our constituents and take decisive action.”
In support of this initiative, the Republicans have launched www.SpecialSessionCT.com, a platform for residents to engage directly with legislative Democrats and demand a special session.
Earlier this month, Republicans presented these proposals at a news conference, reiterating the urgency for legislative action to relieve the financial stress caused by persistently high electric bills.
The proposals outlined in the petition include:
- Moving “Public Benefit Charges” permanently off ratepayer bills
- Providing immediate electric rate relief by reallocating unobligated end-of-year American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and re-examining budgetary options that could make available additional dollars to (a) cover the portions of rate increases associated with the moratorium on electric service shutoffs and the costs associated with electric vehicle charging programs and (b) provide additional rate relief to ratepayers to the maximum extent possible as funds allow
- Capping all future Power Purchase Agreements to no more than 150% over the wholesale electric market price
- Redefining Class I renewable energy sources to enable competition to lower the cost of these energy sources
- Restoring the independence of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), by separating it from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Senator Martin and his colleagues are committed to ensuring the voices of Connecticut residents are heard and that effective solutions are implemented swiftly.
