The decision by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority to approve rate increases for Eversource and United Illuminating elicited a strong reaction from the state Capitol Friday.
Comments from one of the utility companies further enraged a Democratic senator.
Sen. Norm Needleman, a Democrat from Essex who chairs the Energy and Technology Committee, said in a statement Friday morning that the recent comments by utility providers in the state – in the wake of PURA’s decision to agree to rate increases for payers – shows a lack of commitment to the future of energy in Connecticut.
“If Eversource does not want to make green energy investments in our grid, for which it receives full reimbursement and an additional profit on top of out-of-pocket costs, maybe we should consider a review of their franchise agreement, which allows them to operate as a monopoly with no competition.
The PURA commissioners voted 2-1 – with Chairman Marissa Gillett being the dissenting vote – to agree to proposed rate increases for the state’s utility providers. Those increases will reportedly be an additional $30 on the bills of United Illuminating customers.
Eversource has not indicated how much residential customers’ bills will increase. The rate increases will take effect on July 1, and will be in effect for 10 months.
Gillett issued a written dissent after the decision, in which she said was disappointed.
“Unfortunately, though, today’s decision by PURA is likely to place further financial strain on those that can least afford it, and it will also hit the pocketbooks of our business community in a particularly challenging way,” her dissent read.
Republican legislative leadership said in a statement Thursday that the decision by PURA – and the requests by Eversource – are a reflection of Democrat policies. They reiterated that the governor should complete his appointments to the PURA board, and that those who join the board should be vetted by the legislature.
“It’s past time for the Democrats and the Governor to get serious about charting a sensible and sustainable path forward on energy issues,” the statement read. “Failure to act will only add to the uncertainty over the cost, scope and timeline of much-needed improvements to our state’s fragile grid and, ultimately, cause more frustration among ratepayers who are fed up with escalating costs.”
Needleman said that he is baffled by the “apparent change of heart” on the part of his colleagues across the aisle. “It appears Republicans are having buyer’s remorse after having done the right thing by supporting these bills,” his statement continued.
Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton, said in a Facebook post celebrating four new EV charging stations in her town that the process “shines a light on the critical need for enhancing our energy grid infrastructure.
“It’s essential that we invest in reliable and affordable energy solutions to ensure that all residents can benefit from these advancements,” her post read.
Eversource has referenced costs like the pass-through entity tax, as well as other policies, in saying it has no choice but to increase rates.
“Continued participation in these programs could place critically needed capital resources at risk and hinder our ability to support electric operations that our customers rely on every day,” Doug Horton, Eversource President of Distribution Rates and Regulatory Requirements said in a statement Friday.
Gillett said that instead of giving time for proper recovery of possible losses, the company made a “thinly veiled threat,” instead of advancing a legal argument.
John Betkoski III, vice chair of the board, and Michael Caron both voted in favor of the request.
A PURA spokesperson said that the organization will review and approve Standard Service Rate adjustments for the second half of 2024 in the coming weeks.
