Hearing On Natural Gas Price Hikes Slated In Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — Natural gas rates may soon skyrocket, but a public hearing next week in Farmington will help ratepayers learn about what's being proposed and offer input.

State Sen. Lisa Seminara, R- Avon, reminded ratepayers that the hearing is on Wednesday, Jan. 10, on potential natural gas rate hikes.

The hearing is at 5:30 p.m. at the Farmington Public Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington.

Seminara, who is on the human services committee and the aging committee, is reminding area ratepayers of the public hearing on proposals to raise the price of natural gas in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is hosting the hearings regarding plans for Connecticut Natural Gas Corp. (CNG) and the Southern Connecticut Gas Co. (SNG) to raise rates.

Seminara said the proposed price hike could cost customers.

“The proposals would cost customers between $20 and $40 more per quarter,” Seminara said. “I hear from vulnerable Connecticut families every day. They have been crushed by inflation, burdensome taxes, and the rising cost of living. They already pay far too much for basic utilities.

"These proposals, if passed, make it even more difficult for struggling Connecticut residents who are already living hand to mouth. Yes, we all understand the need to invest in gas distribution, but I am urging state officials to hear the voices of vulnerable seniors and disabled residents who tell me they simply can’t afford these new potential burdens.”

Seminara's 8th Senate District includes the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury and Torrington.

Two other hearings are planned:

• Wednesday Jan. 17 in West Haven at 5:30 p.m.; West Haven Public Library, 300 Elm St., West Haven

• Friday, Feb. 16, virtually at noon; Zoom.

Those who wish to submit testimony can email Pura.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov and include their name and hometown. Put “Docket number 23-11-02” in the subject line.

For more information on PURA's public hearings on the rate hike requests, click on this link.