UPDATE! PURA makes final decision on UI's rate hike request. Thank you to everyone who participated!

In a press release, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said PURA "rejects The United Illuminating Company's proposed distribution rate increase of $131 million over three years. Instead, the Final Decision authorizes an increase of $22.957 million."

PURA also rejected UI's rejected UI's request for an extension to make their case.

There is no doubt that everyone who took action helped this to happen. Thank you!

The Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) needs to hear that we all support their draft decision (Docket 22-08-08) to deny United Illuminating's rate hike request! UI wants to raise the rates in the 17 towns they serve in New Haven & Fairfield Counties. These include: Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, and Woodbridge.

PURA expects to render a final decision on this matter on Friday, August 25th. Using this form, please send your message now.

CT already has among the highest electricity rates in the country. In response and with your help, CT passed the "Take Back Our Grid Act" in 2020 to give regulators more time to review rates and look for more ways to save Connecticut residents & businesses critical funds.

When a utility requests a rate hike, the burden of proof to show need for the hike is on the company. UI had a 350 day deadline for that request, did not make their rate increase case and now, wants an extension to reopen the whole case, even though there is no basis in law for this.

Background:

• UI requested an extra $36 million in revenue. PURA's decision was to agree to an increase of roughly $3 million. This is an increase in revenue - not a reduction - just not as large an increase as they requested.
• In the last rate case UI promised to clean up English Station, which they never did. Our state must hold them accountable. UI should not continue to enjoy increasing profits from CT residents especially in environmental justice communities when they refuse to meet their previous legal and financial obligations.
• For too long PURA has sided with utilities at ratepayer expense. Now that they are rightly supporting us as consumers, we need to support that decision.

PURA's decision is the result of years of reform in CT.  Our Governor made some strides by recruiting and appointing Marissa Gillett as Chair of PURA, passing the Take Back Our Grid 2020 Act, and supporting Take Back Our Grid 2023. We need to stand strong together and continue to protect ratepayers.

Please contact Duste Dunn with any questions or comments.