Some tough news for struggling families: Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is trying to raise their prices, but the company is getting some big-time backlash about it from the state.
If CL&P gets their way, the fixed monthly service fee you pay the could go from 16 to 25 bucks on every bill. Small businesses could see monthly spikes up to 45 percent.
The company says it needs more money to recover from past storms and deal with future ones -- and the new wave of electric efficiency that's catching on state-wide means less profit for CL&P.
But Governor Malloy has blasted CL&P --saying the company should not be allowed to penalize people for conserving energy by jacking up their prices.
PURA (the public utilities regulatory authority) has oversight is hosting a round of public hearings to get feedback from residents and inform people about the proposed price hikes.
CL&P already has a volatile relationship with the state government -- the company was criticized for inadequate preparation and response during past blizzards and hurricanes.
Meantime, CL&P is still looking to the state for financial help and compensation for their multi-million dollar efforts to get CT back on line.
CL&P has given their reasons why they want to raise their monthly fees-but so far, those reasons aren't garnering support -- much to the contrary, the response from Hartford has been frustration, more criticism and now a chance for the customers to voice their feelings.
Puras first public meeting on this is tonight at 6:30. Here are the details on all the scheduled meetings:
Wednesday, August 27: 6:30 p.m.
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT
Thursday, August 28: 6:30 p.m.
Stamford Government Center
888 Washington Blvd.
Stamford, CT
Wednesday, September 3: 6:30 p.m.
New London City Hall
181 State Street
New London, CT