To the editor,
While serving in the Connecticut legislature, including as the co-chair of the committee responsible for energy policy, I fought to protect consumer access to affordable electricity. Affordable service is again threatened by the proposed increase being considered by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
CL&P has proposed a significant increase in its distribution rates, including a 60 percent increase in the customer service charge that everyone pays from $16 to $25.50 a month, or $115 a year. Every household pays this even if no electricity is used. If approved, CL&P customers will have the highest customer service charge in New England.
Why is Connecticut being treated differently?
The average customer, on standard offer service, using 700 KW hours monthly currently pays approximately $130 a month; with CL&P’s proposed increase, that average monthly bill will be approximately $140 a month.
Any increase in the cost of electricity, a necessity, especially harms lower income customers and seniors, particularly those on fixed incomes. Ultimately all utility customers cover the cost of utility bills that low income households could not afford. The state’s energy assistance program, funded with limited federal funds, cannot resolve the issues associated with increased utility rates; it does not meet current need. Increased electric costs will mean fewer people are served by federal energy assistance funds.
Increases in the customer service charge penalize customers who made significant investments in energy efficiency and renewable resource systems such as solar power, to reduce their energy consumption and their electric bill. Connecticut has worked hard to develop programs to encourage residents and businesses to reduce energy consumption by providing incentives that promote alternative energy. Energy policy that provides incentives for the use of alternative renewable energy is good for the environment, lowers the number of kilowatt hours used and should lead us to more affordable electricity.
Any utility company request for a rate increase should only be considered by the PURA if designed to avoid undercutting investments in efficiency and solar power. PURA should require the utility to propose an approach mitigating the impact of rate increases on vulnerable state residents. PURA is accepting comments on the proposed rate increase through Dec. 1.
Vickie Nardello
Prospect
The writer is a former state representative in the 89th House District and is the Democrat candidate for the seat this year.
