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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

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CT electric companies' rates increase in 2024

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Thursday, December 28, 2023   

Beginning in 2024, Connecticut ratepayers can expect an increase in their electricity bills.

New electricity supply rates will go into effect Monday. Eversource will be charging $14.71 per kilowatt hour, up from $13.82.

United Illuminating will be charging $17.06, up from $14.33. These rates will be in effect through June 30, 2024.

John Erlingheuser, senior advocacy director with AARP Connecticut, described how these will impact ratepayers.

"People that are on low or moderate or fixed incomes have more of a difficulty paying electric bills and utility bills than anybody else," said Erlingheuser, "because the rates go up, but their incomes aren't rising with the same level as the rates - not to mention all the other inflationary pressures existing on their budgets."

The state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority offers a discount rate for low-income residents. Other programs to help people afford their utility bills include the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.

Another utility-assistance program, Operation Fuel, is only taking applications for savings on water bills - since high demand has forced them to close the application for fuel, gas, and electric utilities.

Other rate increases have been halted by numerous groups, including AARP Connecticut. However, with others looming, Erlingheuser said they're ready to keep fighting for ratepayers.

"There are some potential increases coming on the horizon, but we're doing everything we can to fight them and make sure that regulators take customer impact into account when they consider these proposed rate increases," said Erlingheuser. "And with all the work we've done with the Legislature over the last several years, it seems like they're taking that direction."

The Connecticut Water Company has a 10.5% rate increase in the works. This could raise bills for ratepayers by 18%.

The company says the increase is to help recover costs after investing $135 million into water and wastewater infrastructure.



Disclosure: AARP Connecticut contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Health Issues, Hunger/Food/Nutrition, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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