State Rep. Hampton Condemns Connecticut Light and Power Rate Hike Proposal

State Rep. John Hampton issued this news release on Monday in reaction to CL&P’s recent announcement that it was requesting a 25 percent rate hike due to the increased cost of natural gas used for generating electricity:

State Representative John Hampton (D-Simsbury) condemns Connecticut Light & Power’s recent decision to increase rates for residential customers by 26 percent. Effective January 1, 2015 standard service customers will be paying 12.45 cents per kilowatt hour up from 9.96 cents.

“This dramatic rate increase is unconscionable,” said Rep. Hampton. “Electric rates are already high enough. Hard-working families struggling to keep food on the table and seniors living on a fixed income are going to get hit the hardest. I am extremely disappointed to see CL&P rank profit over people.”

For typical customers using 700 kilowatt hours, the rate increase will raise monthly bills by more than $18. In addition, CL&P is also reviewing raising distribution rates which is predicted to go into effect sometime next year, increasing electric bills by an additional $10 a month.

“After such a large rate increase, how can CL&P even consider implementing additional hikes? I am calling on CL&P to halt plans for increasing distribution rates. Enough is enough,” Rep. Hampton said.