By Harry Fisher
Thanks to Senator Ryan Fazio Eversource now itemizes its monthly bills, breaking down costs–which is why we can now see the “public benefits” charges (a hidden tax).
That consumer transparency is the first step to repealing the “public benefits” tax from our electricity bills entirely, which Senator Fazio has been advocating for two years.
These mandated charges go unchecked in state budgets, yet households and municipalities alike are required to shoulder them without prior notice or budgeting.
Yes, that’s right, the Town of Greenwich and the Board of Educaton also will have to pay the “public benefits” charge. That includes every single school and building that the Town owns. It is a huge hit to our local budgets as well as yours at home.
With colder weather and less daylight hours ahead, electric usage will climb, and, as usage rises, “Public Benefits” costs tied to metered consumption will also increase.
You will essentially be paying this twice. Once at home and once in your local taxes to cover the significant increase forced onto Greenwich and its schools by the state, without a word from our state Representatives Khanna, Arzeno, and Meskers to stop it from happening.
To protect consumers, Senator Fazio has urged, cajoled, asked, held press conferences, and all but begged his fellow legislators to convene a special legislative session to rein in utility rates while there were still American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds available; before the state signed expensive contracts for energy that were 400% over markeet rates; and before we entered the more expensive winter months.
Unfortunately, our local representatives did not back Fazio’s call for a special session. The right move would have been to deploy available ARPA funds to offset this burden. Instead, those funds will now be spent elsewhere and the financial strain has been placed on residents, small businesses, and municipalities—without transparency or the opportunity to plan for it within our budgets.
At a recent town hall on electricity, Fazio attracted a crowd across party lines—residents concerned with rising bills and transparency. There’s clear support for responsible governance here, regardless of affiliation, and there’s every reason to believe those attending are ready to lend their voices to advocate for balanced, transparent policies.
More can be said, but it’s clear that thoughtful energy policy and fiscal responsibility go hand-in-hand, and Ryan Fazio has demonstrated his commitment to both.
Harry Fisher is the Chairman of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation. His opinions are his own.
