NEW BRITAIN—United Illuminating is looking to increase their rates, but dozens of organizations statewide are now pushing back.
Monday, the Offices of Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, or PURA for short, will be considering that proposed rate hike for the fixed charge--or base charge--you see on your bill each month. There is also a monthly usage charge for how many kWhs you use, but that is not what the proposed hike is for.
The Connecticut Round Table on Climate and Jobs Organization is now leading 30 organizations to fight against the proposal. They argue that United Illuminating is trying to make up for people using less energy and more "green" electronics by raising the base charge that all customers get.
The group wants a reduction in the fixed charge. The roundtable groups said a lower fixed charge would relieve a burden for low-income residents, up incentives for energy efficiency, and expand clean energy, in turn adding more jobs to that sector.
Monday’s meeting comes after United Illuminating made it public last week that they are proposing a nearly $50 million plan to speed up efforts to toughen their utility distribution network against storms.
They also are reporting that if PURA approves UI’s proposal they will spend the money over the next four years to put those storm protections in place.
United Illuminating serves nearly 330,000 residents and businesses in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas of the state.
