Submitted by Sarah Paduano, Eversource
(November 1, 2024) — As winter approaches, Eversource is reminding customers they can take control of their energy costs by shopping for a third-party supplier before an expected supply rate increase that typically occurs at the beginning of each year. Roughly half of New England’s electricity is produced using natural gas, and seasonal demand for the fuel drives up the price power generators charge. Under state laws related to deregulated energy markets, Eversource is prohibited from generating electricity and is required to purchase power on behalf of customers who’re not enrolled with an alternate supplier. Those costs are passed on with no mark up or profit to the company. In anticipation of the higher cost of electricity, customers are encouraged to compare rates being offered by third-party suppliers on EnergizeCT.com. Those who’ve never shopped before can find help navigating the process to shop, sign up, and save by going to Eversource.com/supplier.
“Most of our electric residential customers are on Standard Service, which is one of the lowest energy supply rates currently available, but as we get closer to January, there might be lower third-party supplier rates that customers can lock in,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “While the Standard Service rate won’t change until next year, it’s a good idea to start checking EnergizeCT.com now because it typically takes a full billing cycle for a new rate to take effect if you decide to switch.”
As of the end of September, nearly 80% of electric residential customers are on Standard Service. In Connecticut, that rate changes twice a year – January 1 and July 1. The energy company plans to file a new Standard Service rate with Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in mid-November 2024, which would take effect January 1, 2025.
For residential customers who want to switch, EnergizeCT.com is the only site approved by regulators to shop for energy in Connecticut. Before signing up with a third-party supplier, it’s important to carefully read over the contract and know what the offered rate is and how long it is available. Eversource encourages residential customers to regularly check energy supply prices throughout the year to make sure they’re still getting the best deal and to remember that in Connecticut they can switch to another supplier or go back on Standard Service before their contract ends without penalty.
Things customers can do to manage energy usage this winter:
- During the day, let the sunshine in by opening your blinds. Southern and western facing walls capture the sun’s warmth. At night, close your window blinds to keep the cold air outside and the warmth inside.
- Properly insulating your home can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by an average of 20%.
- Use the locks on your windows and external doors so they seal shut and keep out drafts.
- Wi-Fi thermostats let you control your home temperature from your smartphone or tablet, enabling convenient energy savings. They adjust settings based on your presence, the weather, or a personalized schedule.
- Keep your fireplace damper closed when not in use to retain warmth and reduce energy use.
- Change the direction of your ceiling fan clockwise to help push the warm air that gathers near the ceiling back down, evenly heating your room.
Help is available for customers who need it: Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill.
- The Matching Payment Program 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.
- Electric Bill Discount is available to customers with a financial hardship status on their electric account. Based on their household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, customers may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off their electric bill per month. For example, if they have a $100 monthly bill, it would be $10 less if they receive a 10% discount or $50 less if they receive the 50% discount.
- Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to help 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.
Customers are reminded to visit Eversource.com/winter-bill to take advantage of the many energy efficiency solutions and payment programs offered before the cold weather arrives.
