At a public‑comment session in New Britain on Monday, Connecticut utility customers rallied against Eversource’s request for a massive $757 million rate increase. The proposal would raise the average residential electric bill by roughly $33 a month – an 18% jump that includes storm‑related costs.
Local families cite affordability concerns
“You’re asking me to pay more for something that’s just a given,” said Geof Fang, a Southington resident. Others echoed the sentiment, warning that higher bills could push families into impossible choices.
“This is PURA’s moment to act. This is not political. It is moral. No family should choose between filling the oil tank, buying lifesaving medication and heating their home in mid‑winter,” said Aimee Borden of Cheshire.
Eversource’s justification
Eversource argues the additional revenue is needed to maintain the state’s power grid, respond quickly to storm‑related outages, and meet growing demand. The company filed the request in July, citing inflation and rising costs for infrastructure upkeep and storm restoration. According to Eversource spokesperson Jamie Ratliff, the $757 million figure includes storm costs; if those costs are recovered through a separate mechanism, the rate hike would shrink to $451 million – an 11% increase that would add about $20 to the average household bill.
“Customers expect and demand to have electricity working 24/7. They don’t want to see power interruptions. But when they do, they want a fast response to get that power back on and that comes at a cost,” Ratliff said. He emphasized that the request funds operations – crews, equipment, poles, wires and transformers – not executive compensation.
Watchdog agency warns of record‑size increase
The state’s Office of Consumer Counsel, a watchdog representing utility customers, called the proposal the largest rate increase in Connecticut history. The agency plans to push for significant reductions as regulators review the filing.
Regulatory timeline and next public‑comment opportunities
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is expected to consider the request next year and issue a decision before the end of June. If approved, the new rates would take effect on July 1.
Customers who missed the New Britain session have three more chances to weigh in: November 16 in New London at The Red Barn at Mitchell College (5:30 p.m.), November 23 in Danbury at the Ives Concert Hall at Western Connecticut State University (5:30 p.m.), and a virtual session on December 9 at noon.
Community voices call for cost‑of‑service pricing
“Provide us that mandatory service at the cost to provide that service. You shouldn’t make a profit off of it,” Fang added, echoing a broader sentiment that essential utilities should be priced fairly, not used as a profit center.
As the debate continues, Connecticut residents hope their concerns will shape a rate structure that balances reliable service with affordable costs for families across the state.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
