Senator: Eversource Rate Increases Are A 'Symptom of Policy'

HARTFORD, CT — State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35th District) Thursday lashed out at "policy" that is spearheading a proposed 19 percent hike in electric rates that could take effect in the warmer months this year.

Gordon said he wanted to "remind" Eversource ratepayers that the utility's proposed increase is a result of "state government policy that requires change."

He cited existing power purchase agreements and Governor Lamont’s pandemic-era executive order for service termination moratoriums as the underlying cause for the latest drastic rate hike.

Eversource has been making the same argument.

"I have been talking about the high cost of electricity and high cost of living as a senator for the last year, and joined Republicans to share policies for a better way to energy affordability. These proposals would reduce costs for ratepayers over the long term. Instead, we are going in the other direction," Gordon said.

He cited the two "underlying factors" that are existing power purchase agreements, and a moratorium on service terminations during the hardships of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I was not in the legislature when these decisions were made. While I do support clean energy like nuclear, we must add more sources to our portfolio to mitigate cost," Gordon said.

He continued, "I also support assisting those who continue to face hardships, which was why I was vocal about properly funding our state’s LIHEAP program. We're seeing the effects of policy that does not contemplate today’s reality. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to consider significant change for people, families, and businesses in Connecticut."