CT Reps. Leeper & Steinberg Call For Reforms In Electricity Market

FAIRFIELD, CT — State Representatives Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor, Ellington, Vernon) and Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport), House Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, today held a press conference calling for a ratepayer-focused electricity market and a strong regulatory authority of electric utility companies.

“Electricity prices are forcing ratepayers to make impossible decisions,” Rep. Leeper said. “This is a David vs. Goliath situation, with our communities being devastated by the utility companies. We must add transparency and accountability to this monopoly, increase competition, and drive down prices for Connecticut residents.”

The press conference touched on a number of ideas being considered by the Energy and Technology Committee, including grid-enhancing technology, planning for transmission infrastructure, incentivizing energy supply expansion, providing price stability on supply and demand, and a competitive bid process.

“Connecticut is at the crossroads when it comes to its energy future. And, in my opinion, I’m sad to report that we are not meeting this moment – at least not yet,” said Rep. Steinberg. “We are considering a broad range of remedies, including injecting more competition into the currently monopolistic utility structure, including independent distribution systems, vertically-integrated merchant suppliers, municipal and community choice aggregation alternatives. All of these efforts are on behalf of ratepayers. But we know one of the best ways to protect their interests and manage rates is to have a strong regulatory authority. PURA has been doing the job we gave them the tools to do when we passed the Take Back our Grid Act and SB7.”

“Grid-enhancing technologies and stronger transmission planning can help lower energy costs by improving grid efficiency and resilience,” Rep. Foster said. “Transmission investments by utilities are guaranteed a return on their investment and 10% profits. We need a strong regulator to guarantee these investments are in the best interest of the ratepayers, not shareholders.”

The next Energy and Technology Committee public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 11am.

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport. Rep. Foster represents the 57th District, which includes East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon. Rep. Steinberg represents the 136th District, which includes Westport.