Attorney General William Tong has expressed concern over the upcoming increase in standard service rates announced by United Illuminating. The rate hike of 4.7 percent, effective January, will lead to an average bill rise of $11.61 per month for consumers.
"We had terrible news from Eversource on Friday, and now more terrible news from United Illuminating," said Tong. "It’s the same bad news—another unaffordable increase on top of already unaffordable bills."
The winter rates are determined through a competitive bidding process and have been described as "pretty much set in stone." Despite this annual fluctuation, Tong emphasized that it remains unacceptable. "Connecticut families need real relief from these unsustainable costs," he stated.
Tong vowed to continue advocating for consumers, promising to fight in every proceeding before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
Standard service electric rates are revised biannually, covering January through June and July through December. Typically, winter rates are higher due to the competitive auction process used to set them. It is important to note that utilities do not profit from these rates and that the Office of the Attorney General does not participate in their approval or setting.