Possible 29% rate hike by Yankee Gas called out by attorney general

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says he will closely look at Yankee Gas’ rate increase request with customers’ budgets in mind. Westfair file photo.

Democratic state Attorney General William Tong and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Matt Corey have come out against a proposed $209 million rate increase by Yankee Gas that could increase customers’ monthly bills by as much as $30.

“This massive rate hike request could not come at a worse time for Connecticut who are already struggling to afford these skyrocketing utility bills,” Tong said Thursday. “I’m going to comb through every line of this request the moment it is filed, and I’ll be fighting at every step of the way to make sure no one pays a penny more than absolutely necessary.”

Republican state legislators Sen. Ryan Fazio, ranking Senator on the Energy and Technology Committee, and Sen. Stephen Harding issued a statement criticizing the impending gas rate increase.

“This is like the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ but it’s devoid of humor and it is totally unsustainable for already struggling Connecticut families and employers,” they said in a prepared statement. “A nearly 30 percent increase in ratepayers’ bills could result if this gets approved.

“The budget hits to ratepayers will keep on coming if Connecticut’s state elected officials continue to do nothing about this energy emergency. Democrats control all levers of political power in Connecticut. They don’t see the need, or the urgency, to hold a special session at the State Capitol to stop the bleeding. So, the bleeding will continue.”

Corey, who is trying to unseat longtime incumbent Democrat Chris Murphy, believes this request coming right on the heels of the recent increase in electric rates is another blow to consumers who are trying to stay afloat financially.

“I have been advised that Yankee Gas will seek a 29% rate increase from PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority),” Corey wrote on X Thursday. “This is yet another gut punch to residential & commercial customers in CT. We need to reduce energy costs in CT and expand the supply of natural gas to control costs Unfortunately some activists want us to go in the opposite direction.

Yankee Gas is owned by Eversource. It provides gas service to 252,000 customers in 85 towns throughout Connecticut.