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LEGAL NEWSLINE

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Conn. AG says state's utility rate increase is unwarranted, unsubstantiated

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Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen urged the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Friday to reject an application by the Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) seeking a $221 million rate increase.

"Connecticut consumers – especially those on fixed or limited incomes – should not have to absorb any unwarranted increases in their cost of living, which this application would have them do," Jepsen said in a brief filed with PURA. "Electricity is far more than a modern convenience. It is a necessity, and the safe, reliable and affordable provision of electricity is critical to public health and safety. CL&P's customers are counting on PURA to ensure that the electric utility rates approved will be no more than absolutely necessary."

If granted, the requested rate increase would reflect an overall rate increase of 7 percent for the average CL&P customer.

In the brief, Jepsen argues that CL&P's rates are excessive and unwarranted and that the company has failed to show that a large rate increase is appropriate or necessary. Jepsen recommended that PURA adopt more than $90 million in downward adjustments to the company's rate request.

"The $221 million per year rate increase requested by CL&P is unwarranted, unsubstantiated and would result in rates that are more than just and reasonable," the attorney general said. "PURA should reject CL&P's application and instead set rates that reflect reasonable adjustments to the company's request."

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