By State Senator, Norm Needleman.
I want to update you regarding the rate increases residents have seen on their electric bills. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has temporarily suspended these extra charges put on your energy bill that was provided in the form of a delivery charge. PURA will now be conducting a thorough review of Eversource’s proposed changes and explore alternative cost recovery options. The Authority will reexamine the administrative changes to the energy and transmission adjustment clauses. They are ordering Eversource to immediately restore rates to those who were impacted. I welcome this decision by PURA.
Several residents asked how this order will impact their next electric bill. PURA has required Eversource to temporarily revert to the rate calculation they used prior to July 1 until a full hearing is held on this matter.
The intent of the reexamination by PURA is to ensure that Eversource is not over-collecting revenues in the short term at the expense of ratepayers during this period of financial hardship amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Authority has also questioned Eversource and will continue to accept public commentary on this matter. Following our request for a hearing, PURA has agreed to hold a public hearing in August to obtain additional information necessary to ensure that any rate changes are in compliance with all statues and regulations.
This action by PURA regarding Eversource follows an earlier decision by them refusing a rate increase requested by United Illuminating.
If I may be of assistance to you, feel free to contact me at my senate office at 860-240-0428 or by email Needleman@senatedems.ct.gov.
