Sen. Hwang Statement on PURA Energy Rate Hike Approval

Sen. Tony Hwang pointed to an Aug. 30 split 2-1 vote by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) to turn down widespread calls to reopen a decision that resulted in a sharp jump in July electric bills as further evidence of the need for a special legislative session to pass energy policy reforms.

“Tone deaf. That’s the only way to describe this decision by an incomplete panel of state utility regulators. By law, we’re supposed to have five members of PURA. Only three of the positions are filled. This decision highlights why PURA membership needs to increase to include more consumer conscious commissioners. Having a full board could have resulted in a totally different ruling. It’s also yet another reason why the legislature must go into special session to take immediate action to promote affordability, transparency, and most importantly, immediate relief for residents struggling under the weight of their electric bill. No family should be forced to choose between paying their electric bill and putting food on their table when we have the chance to bring relief now.”

Sen. Hwang and all legislative Republicans have signed a petition to force a special session to address the sharp increase in Connecticut electric bills.

A website – SpecialSessionCT.com – allows residents to contact their legislators to urge them to support a special session.