The House just voted 144-1 to make state consumers the first in the nation to be protected from deceptive, variable electric rates. The bill passed the Senate last week and now heads to the governor. It was in response to claims that consumers, particularly the elderly, were being cheated by some electric providers who claim to offer lower rates that United Illuminating or Northeast Utilities (now Eversouce), under contracts that balloon within a few months. Some consumers who initial rate was $75 a month, more than tripled. The legislation would add to previous reforms requiring suppliers to give consumers 60-day notice of the end of their contracts.
This from AARP Advocacy Director John Erlingheuser: “Today the State of Connecticut made it clear that variable electric rates have no place in the residential market. We applaud the members of the General Assembly for supporting this legislation which will protect unsuspecting consumers from these predatory rates and ultimately save them money on their electric bills. We’re also pleased that the legislation sets up a process for PURA to further investigate and take measures to completely eliminate variable electric rates when a customer’s contract expires.”