Eversource has asked the state’s Utilities Regulatory Authority to approve a hike that the company says could raise an average customer’s electric bill by nearly 50%, or $85 per month. , on the supply part of the invoice.
Eversource said that, if approved, the increased rates would be in effect from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023.
Eversource is seeking to increase the standard service rate for residential customers who receive their energy supply from Eversource from 12.1 cents per kilowatt hour to 24.2 cents per kWh, up from 11.5 cents per kWh last winter, a Eversource said.
The company said that on average, an Eversource residential electric customer who uses 700 kilowatt hours of electricity each month could see an increase of about 48% over their current monthly bill – or $85 per month – on the supply part of the invoice.
Eversource said the reasons include energy costs continuing to rise globally and regional electricity supply prices hitting historic highs this year due to increased global demand and the high cost of natural gas, world events, extreme weather conditions and other issues.
Eversource invoices include a supply part and a delivery part.
In a statement, Governor Ned Lamont said he would call the General Assembly into special session to pass legislation focused on helping residents. This includes ensuring that the state energy assistance program has sufficient funding to ensure that assistance is available for electricity and fuel oil costs.
“I am disappointed that electric utilities are enjoying historic profits as electricity generation rates increase and customers struggle economically, and I call on UI and Eversource to deliver solutions that recognize that their investors and leaders can and should support our clients as we work together to find long-term solutions that detach us from the volatility of global fossil fuel markets,” said Lamont.
Attorney General William Tong released a statement, saying the increase would be unaffordable for many families and businesses.
“This is a massive increase that will be unaffordable for many Connecticut families and businesses. We’re paying way too much for our energy in Connecticut as it is, and those winter rates are just a pain. My office has intervened on behalf of consumers in every rate case before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission because we know how much the cost of energy impacts family budgets,” Tong said in a statement.
“We have next to no ability to challenge these supply rates, which is frustrating. Our supply rates always fluctuate between winter and summer, but that’s not normal. We’re seeing a huge global skyrocketing gas costs due to war in Ukraine and Russian manipulation of gas supplies.As a country and as a state, we need to take a close look at our energy sources and reduce our reliance on from sources like natural gas that are producing these wild, unaffordable spikes in rates,” Tong added.
“As Connecticut families grapple with the rising cost of living, these alarming rate hikes are deeply troubling and need to be addressed aggressively by state authorities. All possible measures should be taken to reduce these increases and minimize their impact on consumers. Families in Connecticut simply cannot pay for utilities anymore,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said in a statement.
The Office of Consumer Advice said United Illuminating was also looking to raise its rates.
UI wants to raise rates from $0.1062 to $0.2249 per kilowatt hour, which would impact United Illuminating’s average residential customer
using 700 kWh per month increasing a monthly bill by approximately
$83.09, according to the Consumer Advice Bureau.
Utility bill payment plans and assistance
If you need help paying your utility bill, Eversource and UI offer Invoice
support options to help:
- Eversource: Call 1-800-286-2828 (electric) or 800-438-2278 (gas) or get help online here.
- User Interface: Call 800-722-5584 or get online help here.
State and federal aid
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)1 benefits are also still available. Basic benefits for heating bills range from $410 to $1,015, depending on household income level
CEAP is administered by the Department of Social Services
and local community action agencies across the state.
You can apply online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply, contact your local CAA for additional questions, or request assistance in person or
by telephone.
Operation Fuel Assistance
Operation Fuel is providing emergency energy and utility assistance to Connecticut households facing the financial crisis. Call (860) 243-2345 or visit https://operationfuel.org/gethelp/.
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