Eversource Hits Scores Of New Canaan Customers With A Rate Increase

BERLIN, CT – Eversource customers in Connecticut who are signed up for the company’s standard service generation rate will see a slight increase on their electric bill beginning July 1, officials from the
utility said on Thursday.

PURA, or the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, on Thursday approved a new residential generation service charge of 8.01 cents per kilowatt-hour, up from the current rate of 7.87 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The increase is primarily due to higher energy prices being driven by a reduction in the number of electric generation facilities available in the region, Eversource officials said.

“This slight increase is a direct reflection of the energy price volatility we’re seeing in New England and more proof of the need for new energy infrastructure in the region,” said Penni Conner, senior vice president and chief Customer officer at Eversource. “We’re reminding customers we offer a variety of energy efficiency programs that can helpthem save energy and money year-round, along with convenient monthly payment options.”

The new generation rate will be in effect from July 1 to Dec. 31, Eversource officials said.

On average, a residential customer who uses 700 kilowatt hours of electricity each month will experience an increase of approximately 98 cents per month on the supply portion of his or her Eversource bill, utility officials said.

How much a customer actually pays will depend on how much energy is used, their rate category, and weather conditions, according to Eversource Officials.

As a regulated energy distribution company, Eversource purchases electricity from wholesale suppliers on behalf of its customers and passes the cost directly to them with no profit to the company, according to a company outline.

By state law, the standard service price changes twice a year, on Jan. 1 and July 1. All Eversource customers have the option to buy their power from other retail suppliers or go with the company’s Standard Service rate.

Customers can find out more information about alternate suppliers and rates at http://www.energizect.com/compare-energy-suppliers.

Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million Connecticut customers in 149 cities and towns and provides natural gas to 229,000 customers in 72 communities.

Patch file photo

— By Chris Dehnel (Patch Staff)