(Watch) Sen. Harding, CT GOP: Legislature Must “do something” to Help Overburdened Ratepayers

PURA approves another electric rate adjustment for Eversource, UI customers

(WFSB) – State regulators approved another electric rate adjustment on top of one that gave customers sticker shock last month.

PURA approved rate adjustments for both Eversource and United Illuminating during a meeting on Wednesday. This one was to enhance the electric vehicle charging grid.

It prompted a response from Republican lawmakers.

“PURA’s actions [Wednesday] underscore how policies put forth by Democrat-controlled state government have serious consequences for Connecticut’s consumers and taxpayers,” said House Republican leader Vincent Candelora and Senate Republican leader Steven Harding. “These rate adjustments for Eversource and United Illuminating of an additional $80 million starting in September to enhance the EV charging grid will further burden ratepayers already struggling to pay their monthly electric bills.”

Republicans said they want clean air and a healthy environment.

However, they would continue to fight for consumer choice instead of EV mandates.

“Republicans also continue to demand that [Gov. Ned Lamont] call lawmakers into special session as soon as possible,” Candelora and Harding said. “Pass smart energy policies that lead to rate stability. Do something to help Connecticut families and job creators who desperately need relief. Stop the bleeding.”

Channel 3′s I-Team looked into the July increase on Eversource bills.

The public benefit portion of customers’ bills was what drew the ire. It significantly increased on July 1. It was approved back in April.

As Eversource put it, utility companies have been playing catch up. The company was owed around $873 million in public benefits back pay.

It said that if regulators had allowed rates to be raised in the past, it could have offset the costs.

https://www.wfsb.com/2024/08/14/pura-approves-another-electric-rate-bump-eversource-ui-customers/