- SB 4 may cut $100/yr off electricity bills that are among nation’s highest
- CEA praises move away from regulatory drama, urges major energy policy overhaul to lower prices, raise CT’s competitiveness
HARTFORD, CT – Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading energy and environmental advocate for families and businesses, today praised the bipartisanship displayed in passing Connecticut’s Senate Bill 4, while acknowledging significant work remains to address the underlying structural problems driving Connecticut’s nation-leading energy costs.
The legislation, which awaits Gov. Ned Lamont’s signature, is projected to save utility customers paying some of the nation’s highest retail electricity rates about $100 a year for the next two years through a combination of borrowing mechanisms and policy adjustments.
“This bill is a good first step, and we commend the bipartisan leadership shown by House Speaker Matt Ritter and Minority Leader Vincent Candelora in moving forward legislation that begins to addresses some immediate and significant energy concerns of Connecticut families and businesses,” CEA Northeast Executive Director Marc Brown said. “Taken together with Gov. Lamont’s public recognition that Connecticut’s energy reality requires an all-of-the-above approach, these are signs that Connecticut has recognized that comprehensive changes must be made to solve the underlying problems.”
Connecticut residents and businesses pay some of the highest retail electricity prices in the nation, a function of decades of misguided policy choices. While ratepayers will see some minor financial relief from this bill, it will be funded by taxpayers.
“While this legislation stops short of the kind of bold moves required to bring our state’s electricity prices back to earth, this legislative session made clear to Connecticut’s people just how many non-energy initiatives are shoved into their electricity bills to the tune of $1 billion,” CEA Deputy Northeast Director Bryson Hull said. “We need a serious reckoning with energy policy here to make Connecticut economically competitive for investment and affordable again for families. Focusing on policies rather than regulatory drama is the way forward, and the leadership and collaboration shown in getting this bill done sends that signal clearly.”
CEA also praised the reported “handshake deal” to appoint two more commissioners to PURA, so that it has its statutorily required five commissioners and adds the necessary balance intended by this legislation. The final bill ensures that a minimum of three commissioners handle any matter coming before the authority and that all five are required for a rate case; it additionally strengthens language requiring the appointment of five commissioners.
“Connecticut’s families and businesses deserve more expertise to come out of PURA, and more commissioners means the agency can better serve its mission rather than whims and preferences of the few,” Brown said. “CEA stands ready to work constructively with the State, the legislature and all stakeholders to deliver affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for Connecticut.”
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the trusted voice advocating for affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy solutions that benefit all Americans. Representing families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers, CEA champions sensible, balanced policies that support economic growth and environmental resiliency; and ensures families and businesses are a vocal part of the nation’s energy dialogue. Every day, we work to inspire practical, responsible solutions that meet America’s energy needs while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org