Mayor Simmons Issues Statement On Eversource, UI Rate Increases

STAMFORD, CT — With fuel and energy costs expected to increase this winter, the state legislature convened a special session in Hartford on Monday to try to provide relief to residents, such as extending the state gas tax pause and adding funds to the state's low-income fuel assistance program.

Eversource and UI filed paperwork earlier this month that would more than double their standard service generation rates, which would mean average residential customers bills would increase by more than $80 per month.

"Connecticut families are facing a lot of economic uncertainty right now – from rising gas prices, to inflation, and the high cost of living – and this rate increase will only exacerbate that," Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons said in a statement Monday. "While the volatility of the global energy market and Russia’s war on Ukraine are acutely impacting the rise in prices, it is critical that long-term solutions be put in place by the state’s utility regulators to address the fact that Connecticut remains one of the most expensive states in the country to buy electricity."

Simmons praised Lamont for calling a special session of the General Assembly. She also said she's committed working with Stamford's delegation to Hartford to provide relief to residents.

"I support Governor Lamont’s decision to call a special session of the General Assembly to extend and commit funding to programs that reduce costs for residents, including committing more funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and extending breaks on bus fares and the gas tax," Simmons added.

"I am committed to working with the Stamford delegation to advocate for legislation that continues to ease the cost of living for residents and my administration will continue to implement policies that seeks to make Stamford a more affordable city to live, work, and raise a family."