Eversource has asked the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to approve an increase that the company said could increase the electricity bill of an average customer by about 50 percent, or $85 per month, on the supply portion of the bill.
If approved, the increased rates will be effective from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023, Eversource said.
Eversource is looking to increase the standard service rate for residential customers who receive their energy supplies from Eversource from 12.1 cents per kWh to 24.2 cents per kWh, from 11.5 cents per kWh last winter, Eversource said.
On average, the company said, an Eversource residential electric customer who uses 700 kilowatt-hours of energy each month could see an increase of about 48% over his current monthly bill — or $85 per month — on the supply portion of the bill.
Eversource said the reasons include energy costs that continue to rise globally and regionally to electricity supply prices that have reached an all-time high this year due to increasing global demand for and rising cost of natural gas, global events, severe weather, and other issues.
Eversource invoices include the supply part and the delivery part.
In a statement, Governor Ned Lamont said he will call the General Assembly into a special session to adopt legislation focused on helping residents. This includes ensuring that the state’s energy assistance program receives sufficient funding to ensure subsidies are available for electricity and heating oil costs.
“I am disappointed that electricity distribution utilities are enjoying historic profits at the same time that electricity generation rates are increasing and customers are experiencing economic hardship, and I call on UI and Eversource to come to the negotiating table with Solutions that understands that investors and executives can and should support customers while we work.” Together towards long-term solutions we deflect the volatility of global fossil fuel markets.”
Attorney General William Tonge issued a statement, saying the increase would not be affordable for many families and businesses.
“This is a massive increase that will not be affordable for many Connecticut families and businesses. We pay too much for our energy in Connecticut as it is, and these winter rates are nothing short of punishing. Utility Regulation and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission because we know how much energy cost affects household budgets.”
“We have almost no ability to challenge these supply rates, which is frustrating. Our supply rates always fluctuate between winter and summer, but it’s not normal. We’re seeing a huge global rise in gas costs because of the war in Ukraine and Russian manipulation of gas supplies. As a country and a country, We need to take a hard look at our energy sources and reduce our reliance on sources like natural gas that produce these wild and unsustainable price increases.”
“While Connecticut households grapple with the rising cost of living, these alarmingly high price increases are deeply troubling and should be subject to strict scrutiny by state authorities. Every action must be taken to minimize these increases and minimize their impact on consumers,” said US Senator Richard Blumenthal in a statement. Statement Connecticut families simply cannot afford to pay more for utilities.
The Office of Consumer Adviser said United Illuminating is also looking to increase its rates.
UI wants to increase prices from $0.1062 to $0.2249 per kWh, which will affect the average residential customer of United Lighting
Using 700 kWh per month by increasing the monthly bill approx
$83.09, according to the Office of Consumer Adviser.
Bill payment plans and assistance
If you need help paying your utility bill, both Eversource and UI offer one
Help options for 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 help online here.
State and Federal Aid
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) 1 benefits are also still available. Basic benefits heating bills range from $410 to $1,015, depending on the household income level.
The CEAP program is administered by the Department of Social Services
and local community action agencies across the state.
You can apply online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/applyyour contact local CAA With additional questions or apply for assistance in person or
Over the phone.
fuel assist operation
Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility services to families facing financial crisis in Connecticut. Call (860) 243-2345 or visit https://operationfuel.org/gethelp/.
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