Thousands Protesting Eversource Charge Via Online Petition

ACROSS CONNECTICUT — An online petition protesting Eversource Energy's electricity "delivery charge" had more than 50,000 signatures on it as of lunchtime Monday. The primary source of an increase has been the Millstone nuclear power plant, Eversource officials said.

The petition appeared on Change.org over the weekend and, at 12:41 p.m. Monday, 52,383 had signed it. Click here to see the petition.

The heading reads: "Residents have been abused by the delivery charges that Eversource is allowed to charge. It's time to take a stand and let our legislators hear the people’s voice and finally get something done once and for all. Delivery charges should never be 3 times the usage. Let them hear our voices."

Eversource offers a detailed explanation about charges under it's "understanding my bill" section on it's web site, accessed here.

Eversource spokesman Mitch Gross offered an explanation:

"Eversource is required to file adjustments to certain rates with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority ( or PURA) twice a year that go into effect on January 1 and July 1. The increase to the Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (or FMCC) is related to payments associated with state-approved power purchase agreements for Millstone Nuclear Power Plant — which we entered into as a result of legislation and accounts for approximately 90 percent of this increase."

Gross added, "People are also spending more time working from home, using more energy on air conditioning — especially now during the hot summer weather."

Gross said Eversource has been offering steps customers can take to reduce their energy usage:

• Increasing the temperature on air conditioners. Keep air conditioners set at a moderate temperature throughout the day. Cranking the unit up uses more electricity. Programmable thermostats or temperature timers can also help keep costs more manageable.
• Keeping air conditioner filters and coils clean. Clean air conditioner filters and coils at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.
• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct the cooled air.
• Sealing home cracks and gaps. Seal cracks or gaps in walls and outlets, and window and door frames, to keep cool air from escaping and letting hot air in.
• Saving major appliance use until the evening. Help conserve energy by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening, when there is less demand on the electric system.

Gross added, "We continue to support our customers during this unprecedented time with a variety of programs that can help them manage their energy bills and reduce energy consumption. We offer special, flexible payment plans for past-due bills and encourage any customer who needs assistance with their bill to contact us at 800-286-2000."

Starting July 1, the "supply charge" per kilowatt-hour rate went down about 22 percent for most customers, according to Eversource officials. But complaints about the "delivery charge" have centered around $100 increases on some monthly bills.

On Monday, in a joint statement, House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz; Majority Leader Matt Ritter; House Energy & Technology Committee Chair David Arconti, said, "Connecticut residents, already pushed to financial limits because of the pandemic, now are seeing large increases to their electric bills. We want to know why. The Energy & Technology Committee should schedule an informational hearing in the near future to hear from ratepayers, utilities and state regulators."