New Canaan residents, like many across Connecticut, are experiencing a sharp rise in their electric bills. With the state’s energy costs ranked as the third-highest in the country—behind only Hawaii and California—this burden is felt acutely, especially as winter approaches. The increase isn’t just about rising energy prices. A significant factor contributing to this spike is the “public benefit” charges, which can account for up to 29% of a household’s bill. These charges, often hidden in plain sight, demand immediate legislative attention, yet the state legislature remains in recess while families face mounting costs.
A special legislative session is urgently needed to confront these rising costs before the colder months set in. Connecticut’s legislators must return to work and find solutions now, rather than allowing ratepayers to endure another winter of financial strain.
Electric bills are made up of multiple components, and one of the most significant and often overlooked is the “public benefit” charge. This charge funds state programs such as energy efficiency initiatives and subsidizes unpaid utility bills. While these programs serve important roles, they act as a hidden tax on ratepayers, implemented without sufficient transparency or scrutiny.
Additionally, public benefit charges are used to subsidize infrastructure such as electric vehicle chargers, which benefits a small portion of the population while imposing costs on everyone. These subsidies represent another layer of hidden taxes that most residents shouldn’t have to bear, especially as many are already struggling with their own energy bills. It is time to reevaluate how these charges are applied.
Immediate steps can be taken to relieve residents from these unnecessary costs. One of the most crucial reforms is to cap new state energy purchases. The state is currently preparing to sign contracts for energy at rates that could be four times the current market price, locking in exorbitant costs for 20 to 30 years. Capping these purchases before they are finalized could save millions for ratepayers over time.
Another key proposal involves using the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover unpaid utility bills that accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are dwindling, making it vital to allocate them wisely before they run out. By covering these unpaid bills, the legislature can relieve some families of a burden they shouldn’t have to carry.
Furthermore, eliminating subsidies for private infrastructure—such as electric vehicle chargers—from electric bills is necessary. Residents should not be paying for services they do not use, especially when those services benefit only a few.
With winter approaching, the urgency of addressing these issues grows stronger. Waiting until the regular legislative session in January will leave households to face even higher energy bills, with no relief in sight. Connecticut families cannot afford such delays.
For a special session to be called, at least 50% of both the House and Senate must agree to reconvene. So far, 65 legislators have signed on, including state Senator Ryan Fazio and state Representative Tom O’Dea. Without more signatures, this vital session may never happen.
It is time for all our local representatives to take responsibility and sign on to this petition. Their action is essential to bring the legislature back to Hartford and begin addressing these urgent issues. The longer they delay, the worse the situation will become for families throughout the state. These are not abstract policy issues—this is about helping real people in New Canaan and across Connecticut.
This is not a partisan issue; it’s about getting back to work and finding solutions to a problem that impacts every household.
