GOP Lawmakers Release Plan Targeting Energy Costs

01.18.2023
Issues & Policies

State Republican lawmakers this week released a series of proposals they said will save Connecticut families $362 million in annual energy costs.

Senate and House GOP lawmakers told a Jan. 17 press conference the proposals will save the average household $210 annually and implement long-term ratepayer protections.

“We can do better, particularly now when we have the resources to meet that challenge,” said Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford).

“But we have to look at both short-term and long-term solutions.”

Connecticut’s energy costs are among the highest in the country and a major factor in the state’s overall high cost of living.

‘Integrated Approach’

“Wagging a finger at utility companies to grandstand for ratepayers when their frustration understandably boils over is a singular path that produces very little,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford).

“We instead need an integrated approach that not only introduces systemic change to reduce monthly bills, but one that also examines to what extent residents’ financial stress is fueled by energy policy and goals adopted by the legislature and state agencies.”

GOP proposals include moving charges resulting from public policy decisions from ratepayer bills to the state budget.

The proposals, introduced in the Energy and Technology Committee as part of SB 123, include:

  • Moving charges resulting from public policy decisions from ratepayer bills to the state budget
  • Bringing all clean energy sources into the state’s green energy strategy by adding nuclear power and all sources of hydro power to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program
  • Improving the Standard Service Procurement process by examining the differing ways Connecticut’s large utilities, small municipal owned utilities, and other states all procure power
  • Restoring independence to utility rate regulators by separating the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Giving PURA more discretion and flexibility in decoupling to protect ratepayers.
  • Establishing utility rate case oversight to ensure that resolutions of rate cases and settlements are made in the best interest of ratepayers and not for other political considerations

Administration Plan

Gov. Ned Lamont released his comprehensive energy plan, featuring short-term relief and long-term strategic initiatives, the previous week.

The administration is using federal funding and pandemic relief funds to offset heating fuel costs for eligible households.

Eversource and United Illuminating also partnered with the state on a series of steps, including energy bill credits and $13 million in utility-funded assistance for low and moderate-income customers.

“Our long-term strategy further diversifies our energy sources by investing in clean energy and energy efficiency.”

Gov. Ned Lamont

Lamont proposed a number of proposals for developing a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable energy supply, promoting energy efficiency and electrification, and leveraging federal infrastructure funds.

“Our mission right now is to ensure that electricity will be reliable and that assistance and relief will be available to residents when they most need it this winter,” Lamont said.

“Our long-term strategy further diversifies our energy sources by investing in clean energy and energy efficiency to get us off the fossil fuel rollercoaster.”


For more information, contact CBIA’s Pete Myers (860.244.1921).

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