Eversource is warning that a rate hike is planned for the winter, adding utlity customers should consider “shopping around” for a third-party energy supplier.
The utility will file a new rate proposal with Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in mid-November, which would go into effect in January if approved. The new rate is expected to be greater than current 13.82 cents per kWh, though it would not be as high as last winter’s 24.17 cents per kWh.
“It won’t be as much of a rate shock as it was last winter, but it will still be a significant increase for folks,” said President of Eversource Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan in an interview with CTNewsJunkie.com.
Sullivan insisted that Eversource customers consider a third-party supplier that could offer them lower rates.
“We want to make sure our customers know that lower energy supply prices are out there, and they can save money on their energy bill by shopping around,” he said. “The sooner customers sign up, the sooner they can lock in lower rates, and they can avoid the price spike expected in January, so we’re encouraging customers to shop, sign up, and save through EnergizeCT.com. They do not have to stay on the Eversource standard service rate.”
But whether PURA will agree to Eversource’s request remains to be seen. Last month, the agency rejected the rate hike sought by United Illuminating and approved a significantly lower increase.
