UPDATE: The final meeting about Connecticut Light and Power’s proposed rate hike is scheduled for Tuesday in New London.
The third, and last meeting about the proposal, which would customer bills by as much as 25 percent, will be at 6:30 p.m. at New London City Hall Tuesday.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) opened up the floor at a public hearing for customers give their input on the proposed CL&P rate hike at two prior meetings, in late August.
At the New Britain meeting, many customers spoke out against the CL&P proposal that raises customer bills by as much as 25 percent.
“I feel that these rate increases are outrageous. You said consider what is fair and reasonable? This is not fair and this is not reasonable,” said Elaine Hague.
CL&P is proposing a fixed monthly rate increase from $16 to $25.50. The company also proposes raising the variable distribution rate from $0.02757 per kWh to $0.03183 per kWH. The company says this will mean the average customer would expect to see a monthly increase of $12.48.
"We certainly sympathize with certain situations but there is a need to make these targeted investments in our electric system to give customers the reliable service they expect and deserve," said Tricia Modifica, a CL&P spokesperson.
Denise McNair, Berlin's town manager, agreed with the proposal, but asked PURA to "be fair and reasonable and consider the request in light of the infrastructure investments that the company has been making."
Three meetings are scheduled:
- 8/27 at 6:30 p.m. | PURA offices | 10 Franklin Sq. New Britain, CT
- 8/28 at 6:30 p.m. | Stamford Government Center Cafeteria | 888 Washington Blvd. Stamford, CT
- 9/3 at 6:30 p.m. | New London City Council Chambers | New London City Hall, 181 State Street, New London, CT
A decision is expected to be reached in December.
