Connecticut’s U.S. House Delegation Urges PURA to Lower Costs for Consumers
NORWICH, CT – This weekend, U.S. Representatives Joe Courtney (CT-02), John B. Larson (CT-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) sent a letter to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) urging agency leaders to reconsider the “sharp increase” in rates that are putting pressure on Connecticut’s workers, families, and small businesses. The Members wrote in support of the General Assembly’s Committee on Energy and Technology’s motion to reconsider that was submitted last week.
The Members’ letter came after hearing concerns from constituents across the state.
“Although as federal Representatives we do not have any formal role in the process of setting rates or in the oversight of utility companies, we have all heard from numerous constituents and businesses that are experiencing significant increases in bills in the wake of the recently implemented Rate Adjustment,” the Members wrote. “For this reason, we strongly support the motion to reconsider and believe that PURA should consider alternative strategies for meeting the state and utility providers’ statutory and financial obligations that do not unduly burden ratepayers, especially in the historically high-usage summer months.”
While rate setting authority resides firmly in Connecticut’s state government, the Members are working at the federal level to lower energy costs and provide relief to consumers facing high bills.
“We have diligently advocated for and secured increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) above initial request from the Executive Branch, regardless of which party controlled the White House,” the Members continued. “We also secured new renewable energy funding and tax credits for Connecticut households and businesses as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA created historic rebate programs that can help homeowners save money on home improvements that lower energy bills as well as tax credits for installation of energy efficient heat pumps and weatherization improvements.”
To read the letter lawmakers sent to PURA, click here.
To learn more about energy cost savings available through the Inflation Reduction Act, click here.