Utilities

According to the company, United Illuminating bills for Connecticut residents are expected to increase in May.

The recent charge increase, fueled by a hot month and higher funding for power from the Millstone nuclear plant, sparked outrage from ratepayers. Connecticut environmental advocates argue the charge is essential because it supports renewable energy programs, grid updates, and fortification.

Connecticut lawmakers and the state’s largest utility companies — Avangrid and Eversource — were at it again during a public hearing about PURA’s commissioners on Tuesday.

Connecticut Senate Democrats are condemning the state’s two major utilities—Eversource and Avangrid—for allegedly intimidating lawmakers to obtain rate increases.

Two more Connecticut utility companies have had their credit ratings downgraded. State lawmakers are at odds over who is to blame and what the next move should be.

Connecticut’s largest utility company, Eversource, has had its credit rating downgraded by the Standard and Poor’s agency. This means its customers in the state might have to pay higher rates.

Connecticut officials are concerned about a proposal to privatize the state’s second-largest utility and want the Public Utility Regulatory Authority to scrutinize the deal.

Yankee Gas, Connecticut’s largest natural gas distribution company, has announced that it will soon file a request with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for a $209 million rate increase.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong filed a petition to prevent Iberdrola, a Spanish-based multinational conglomerate, from acquiring the remaining shares of Avangrid, one of the state's leading energy companies.

Democratic leaders of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee have formally asked PURA to reconsider their decision. GOP leaders want Gov. Ned Lamont to call a special session.