Electricty Bill Update, and more

August 16, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
 
Happy Friday!
As we continue to reel from these electric prices, I want you to know I am continuing to work on what we can do to not only provide some short-term relief but also to systemically restructure our utilities so they are more focused on ratepayers than shareholders. I, along with my House delegation colleagues, submitted a letter to PURA requesting they modify their decisions that has led to this rushed rate recovery period and undue burden on ratepayers. 
 
Additionally, after having taken on our utilities this past session, I've had the chilling realization of how profoundly broken our deregulated grid is. I cannot wait to get to work next session to improve our system. In the interim, I have called on our Energy and Technology Committee to convene a public information session with experts from ISO-New England – our regional grid system operator, which administers the markets, and plans the region’s power system. I also want to hear from Our Power Maine, the organization that organized to bring the state’s grid back under state control. Similarly, I want to hear from VT’s Green Mountain Power who run a vertically integrated utility, meaning they control both energy generation (supply) and delivery (demand). 
 
There are alternatives to the way our utilities serve us that are worthy of serious consideration. This is the time for us to think critically and creatively about alternative utility structures that are working and being pursued in other New England states. I strongly believe that it is not the right thing to do for ratepayers to continue to throw money at the status quo here in CT. An honest review of where we are and how we got here is overdue. Lastly, I look forward to conducting a thorough analysis of what it would look like to bring our utilities back under state control where they are not-for-profits focused solely on ratepayers and not on shareholders.
In this week's eblast, you can learn more about our public utility regulatory agency (PURA), read about supporting Black-owned businesses in Fairfield, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
PURA 101 Forum + Letter on Rate Increases
With all the conversation about our increased electric rates has come more discussion about our Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). PURA is Connecticut's regulatory agency over utilities such as electricity, natural gas, and water.

Last year, the Fairfield delegation hosted PURA Chair Melissa Gillett to lead a presentation overviewing how PURA operates and what it means to be a quasijudicial agency. Her "PURA 101" forum discussed the organization, the regulatory process, how they review cases (referred to as "dockets"), how the public can participate in the process and make our voices heard. Additionally, we had Bob Wall Chair of Sustainable Fairfield Task Force to talk about ways to save energy and reduce costs. 

Reviewing this discussion is more relevant than ever. You can watch that recording HERE. The forum gives a great overview of everything you need to know about PURA, and I hope you'll check it out.
I also wanted to bring your attention to a letter the Fairfield House delegation sent to the commissioners of PURA urging them to reconsider their approval of rate increases on Connecticut residents.

This "rate shock" will have a significant public harm on ratepayers, and we urge the commissioners to implement Commissioner Gillett's proposal for a 2-3 year amortization, striking the proper balance of letting utility companies recover funds while not overburdening ratepayers. You can read the letter in full below.
 
I-95 Mobility Study
Connecticut's Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched the I-95 Mobility Study in Fairfield and Bridgeport, which aims to identify projects to improve safety, mobility and operations along the I-95 corridor between the two towns.

This corridor is one of the highest-traveled in the state, carrying about 130,000 vehicles per day. In addition, rail, buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians use the corridor daily.

The study's first public information meeting will be sometime this fall - click here to sign up for alerts about meetings and study activities.

In addition, you can fill out this brief survey for the DOT sharing your concerns and ideas on how to improve the corridor.
 
Sales Tax-Free Week
A reminder that Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
 
Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.

During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.


 
Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items:
Exempt and Taxable Items During Sales Tax-Free Week
Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!
 
Experience Fairfield's August Calendar of Events
Experience Fairfield has released their August calendar of events, which includes movie screenings, jazz Fridays, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look!
 
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
August is Black Business Month! It's the perfect time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses for their vital contributions to the economy. Make a conscious effort to shop from these businesses, whether it's retail, restaurants, or services. Share your experiences on social media, use hashtags like #BlackBusinessMonth, and leave positive reviews to boost their visibility.

Below you will find a list of some of the many black-owned businesses in Fairfield:
Black-Owned Businesses in Fairfield
You can also help black businesses by attend local events or online panels celebrating Black entrepreneurs, and consider collaborations if you're a business owner. Donations and investments in Black-owned startups are another great way to show support. Educate yourself and others about the challenges Black entrepreneurs face to foster a more supportive community. Let's celebrate and uplift Black entrepreneurs, not just in August but year round!
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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