Submitted by Tricia Modifica, Eversource Energy
(November 18, 2025) — As winter approaches in New England, energy costs typically rise due to increased demand and limited natural gas supply, which is heavily relied upon for both electricity generation and heating. As a result of these ongoing challenges, the price of electricity purchased on behalf of customers is expected to increase starting January 1, 2026 to 12.64 cents per kWh, an approximately 13% change to the rate when compared to last winter’s rate of 11.19 cents. Customers are encouraged to take control of their energy supply costs by shopping for competitive rates at EnergizeCT.com.
In Connecticut, the Standard Service supply rate changes twice a year—on January 1 and July 1—and is typically higher in the winter due to regional supply constraints and market volatility. The rate is determined through a prescribed regulatory process overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), in coordination with utilities and the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC).
Since the restructuring of the electric industry in Connecticut more than two decades ago, electric distribution companies like Eversource are prohibited from generating electricity. Instead, companies are required to procure power from generators on the wholesale market through a highly transparent process on behalf of customers who choose not to buy power from a third-party supplier. The most competitive offers that meet Connecticut’s clean energy standards are submitted to PURA for approval. Eversource does not profit from the provision of Standard Service supply.
“Energy supply continues to be the largest and most volatile part of a customer’s electric bill,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “While we don’t control the prices set by power generators, we work closely with state partners to secure the best possible rate for Standard Service customers. Customers also have the option to compare and potentially lock in lower rates with alternative suppliers through EnergizeCT.com. With usage typically increasing during the winter months, we want to remind customers that if they’re struggling to pay their bill, Eversource offers a variety of programs including financial assistance, flexible payment plans, and energy efficiency solutions.”
If approved by PURA, the Standard Service supply rate for residential customers would increase from the current summer rate of 9.75 cents per kWh to 12.64 cents per kWh starting January 1. This rate change is independent of all other regularly scheduled rate adjustments, will be reflected in the Supply portion of a customer’s bill, and does not have an impact on the rates under Local Delivery, Transmission, and Public Benefits. To learn more about everything included in a customer’s bill, visit Eversource.com.
As of September, nearly 84% of residential electric customers are on Standard Service, and Eversource encourages customers to shop, sign up, and save by comparing options offered by third-party suppliers on EnergizeCT.com. Those who have never shopped before can find help navigating the process here.
Help is available for customers who need it.
Eversource reminds customers who need help with their energy bill to enroll in one of the company’s payment plans or assistance programs.
- Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Customers can apply to get up to $645 towards their heating bill from CEAP and get a bigger match from the Matching Payment Program. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through a local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find a local CAA at 211ct.org or call 211.
- The Matching Payment Program (MPP) can lower the amount customers owe on energy bills. For every dollar they pay and every dollar they receive from the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, we will subtract a dollar from the amount they owe. For example, if a customer owes $500 and makes their monthly MPP payment of $50 and receives $100 from CEAP that same month, they will receive a match for both payments. So, the matched amount will reduce their overdue balance by $150.
- An Electric Bill Discount is available to customers if they provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member. Customers may be eligible for up to a 50% discount off their monthly electric bill. For example, if they qualify for the 50% discount and have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $50 less.
- Payment Plans are available to all customers to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.
- Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a level amount each month based on their average annual usage.
- Winter Protection is available when customers provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits they receive for at least one household member, their service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1. Customers should check the state’s income guidelines to see if they qualify.
- Energy Efficiency can help customers lower their energy bills. Find energy-saving solutions on Eversource.com.
Eversource encourages any customer who is concerned about their ability to pay their energy bill to visit Eversource.com to learn more about available assistance options.
Customers can also find more information on energy efficiency solutions at eversource.com/home-savings.
