CONNECTICUT — Major utility electricity customers in Connecticut will have three extra $10 bills in their wallets under a new rate system announced by regulators and the governor's office Wednesday.
Gov. Ned Lamont said that the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has approved an interim decision that will lower residential electricity rates throughout Connecticut starting May 1.
That translates to:
What Lamont termed a "significant reduction in residential electricity bills" is driven by a decrease in the public benefits charge, which will now be a credit on ratepayers' bills rather than an additional charge.
The rate is in effect through at least September.
The decrease in the public benefits charge is, in large part, due to the contracts the governor negotiated with the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants, which provide energy at fixed prices and insulate ratepayers from volatile fossil fuel pricing, Lamont said.
He said, "The administration’s decision to maintain a diversified portfolio of energy sources is paying off amid high gas prices this winter due to Winter Storm Fern and now the war in Iran."
According to Lamont, Connecticut's nuclear contracts have saved Connecticut ratepayers more than $250 million in 2025 and more than $200 million so far in 2026. The Revolution Wind power purchase agreement is expected to save customers a further $100 million per year once fully operational, he said.
Legislation approved by lawmakers and signed by Lamont in 2025 – Public Act 25-173 – has further reduced the public benefits charge. Bonding for hardship and arrearages, as well as electric vehicle charging costs, removed more than $155 million from the public benefits charges in 2025-2026 and $145 million in 2026-2027. Reforms to the Renewable Portfolio Standard are expected to save approximately another $60 million per year starting in 2026.
"Connecticut ratepayers are about to see some welcome relief on their electric bills, due in large part to the difficult decisions made when electricity prices were low," Lamont said. "The rate reduction residents are seeing today is the result of sound policy work – long-term contracts and legislation designed to produce lasting results – not quick fixes geared for headlines. That’s the kind of governing that actually moves the needle for families struggling with high costs."
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection commended PURA for Wednesday's decision and the legislature for passing a bill last year that focused on lowering costs within the public benefits charges.”
"Today’s decision is the result of sustained collaboration among state leaders, regulators, and advocates to take meaningful steps toward both long and short-term energy affordability," Connecticut Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman said. "By utilizing bond funding to address pandemic-era arrearages, we're reducing costs for all ratepayers while helping thousands of households move beyond the burden of past-due bills. At the same time, programmatic improvements to the low-income discount rate and arrearage forgiveness options are ensuring that relief is targeted and reaches those who need it most. While there is still more work to do, these actions reflect a balanced approach that lowers costs, strengthens the system, and makes energy more affordable for Connecticut families."
The rate adjustments are expected to be included in customer bills starting on May 1 and will last until at least September for most customers.
The rate decisions can be viewed at the following links:
Are you a local business owner? Post a business listing on Patch! It’s an easy way to reach a local audience and connect with customers close to home. Go here to get started today.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Connecticut Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.