HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut electric customers may see significant increases on their Eversource bills as early as the end of 2025, with lawmakers and regulators now actively weighing billions in potential infrastructure and recovery costs.
Eversource, in a letter to lawmakers in March, warned of sweeping rate adjustments, citing a $400 million base distribution increase, which would add roughly $20 per month for customers using 700kWh.
Other estimates included $150 million annually in storm recovery costs, equating to about $7.50 per month for six years, and a $1.2 billion smart meter rollout, maxing out at $8.29 per month over five years.
“There are a lot of new programs that have been added and costs that have built up that in the future will need to be considered in rates,” said Doug Horton, Eversource vice president of distribution rates and regulatory requirements.
PURA, the state’s utility regulator, responded: “We work hard to strike the right balance in our decision-making and encourage everyone involved to focus on the collaboration needed to move these issues forward in a productive way.”
Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) called for PURA scrutiny. “They need to provide fair service, good service to the residents at a fair price,” he said.
Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) proposed eliminating the public benefits charge to reduce family costs by $600 to $700 annually.
Eversource said the figures remain preliminary until formally filed in a rate case, likely later this year.
