CT Electric Rates To Skyrocket In 2019: Report

Once the holidays have come and gone, winter can become a tempting time to stay in, watch television and warm yourself by the screens of all your electronic devices. Connecticut residents might want to reconsider this plan though, as electric rates are expected to raise in 2019.

According to WTNH News 8, customers of both Eversource and United Illuminating (a subsidiary of Avangrid) will see their electric bills skyrocket as of Jan. 1, with standard service rates expected to increase by 19 percent ($12 more each month) and 24 percent ($16 more each month) respectively.

The New Haven Register also reports these increases, noting that Eversource's rates will rise to 10.14 cents a kilowatt hour, while Avangrid's rates will increase to 11.23 cents a kilowatt hour.

Customers who wish to compare these and other rates can do so at Energize Connecticut, which offers consumers the chance to "control your energy bills by finding generation rates that fit your needs."(To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here.)

According to News 8, customers are urged to do their research on enrollment and cancellation charges, as well as monthly fees, and to only sign a contract after all of their questions concerning the service have been answered.

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With rate increases looming, residents might want to become familiar with Eversource's seasonal energy saving tips, which includes setting the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when customers are home and lowering the temperature when they go to bed or are away from home.

According to Eversource, customers can cut annual heating bills by as much as 10 percent a year by turning their thermostat back 10 to 15 percent for eight hours a day. Avoid blocking radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies, and keep them free of dirt and dust. Customers should also have their heating system serviced once a year and regularly.

Energize Connecticut recommends unplugging electronic devices when they are not in use. The same goes for any battery chargers or power adapters (yes, including phone chargers).

When washing dishes, Energize Connecticut provides the following recommendations:

• Fill the sink and use a stopper, or fill a large pot rather than wash or rinse dishes under running hot water.
• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them in hot water before loading. If you choose to rinse your dishes, use cold water.
• Be sure that the dishwasher is full, but not overloaded. Use the shortest wash cycle that will clean your dishes properly and be sure to use the right amount of detergent.
• Turn off the drying cycle on your dishwasher, open the door and let the dishware and silverware air dry.

For more tips on ways to reduce energy at home and save money, click here.

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