Senator Sampson Demands Immediate Action as Constituents Struggle with Surging Electric Bills
August 28, 2024(Watch the press conference here.)
(Demand a Special Session at www.SpecialSessionCT.com)
HARTFORD, CT – Senator Rob Sampson (R-Wolcott), alongside his Republican colleagues in the House and Senate, is urgently calling for a special legislative session to address the skyrocketing electric rates that are burdening Connecticut residents. As public outrage grows, Senator Sampson is spearheading efforts to force the General Assembly to convene and enact long-term solutions to provide relief for beleaguered ratepayers.
Senator Sampson voiced strong criticism of the Democratic majority and the Governor for their inaction on this critical issue, stating, “The Democrats recently rushed us into a so-called ‘emergency’ session just to raise the car tax, yet they are nowhere to be found now when families across Connecticut are crying out for help with their crushing electric bills. The time for action is now. We owe it to our constituents to step up and deliver real relief.”
In an effort to mobilize public support, Republicans have launched www.SpecialSessionCT.com, a platform that empowers residents to contact legislative Democrats directly and demand immediate action.
Earlier this month, Connecticut Republicans held a press conference at the Legislative Office Building, where they presented a comprehensive plan to reduce electric rates. These proposals, which have been in development since February, highlight the persistent financial strain high energy costs impose on families and businesses across the state.
The key components of the Republican plan include:
- Permanently removing “Public Benefit Charges” from ratepayer bills.
- Providing immediate relief by reallocating unobligated end-of-year American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and exploring additional budgetary options. This would cover costs linked to the moratorium on electric service shutoffs and the expenses associated with electric vehicle charging programs, while maximizing available funds for further rate relief.
- Capping all future Power Purchase Agreements at no more than 150% of the wholesale electric market price.
- Redefining Class I renewable energy sources to foster competition and lower energy costs.
- Restoring the independence of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) by separating it from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Senator Sampson and his Republican colleagues are calling for swift, bipartisan action to alleviate the financial pressures on Connecticut’s residents. The attached petition details the proposed measures and the ongoing efforts to garner support for this critical initiative.
