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Majority Leader Duff Asks For Phase-In Of Proposed CL&P Rate Increases

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – State Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk-Darien) is urging the Public Utilities Regulator Authority to consider that any electrical rate increases it might approve be implemented gradually

Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)

Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk)

Photo Credit: File Photo

He particularly targeted a change in the monthly service charge — a flat fee that electric customers pay regardless of the amount of electricity they use -- proposed by Connecticut Light & Power.

“While significant infrastructure upgrades are needed to make our electric grid more resilient to severe weather and other disruptions, we must do all we can to ease the burden of increased electric rates on our families and businesses,” Duff said. “To the extent that rate increases cannot be avoided, particularly any flat fees, I propose that PURA gradually phase them in over time. Spreading out such an increase in equal amounts over four years would provide rate payers with time to plan for these expenses, and help to alleviate an abrupt and unexpected transition to new rates.”

CL&P had proposed increasing the monthly service charge from the current $16 to $25.50. On Monday, PURA drafted a proposal to lower the increase in that fixed rate to $19.50 per month.

Rate payers may write to PURA about the proposed rate increases at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 or by email at PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov.  Mention “Docket No. 14-05-06.”

A final ruling on the new transmission rates is expected from PURA on Dec. 17.

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