Lower Energy Bills & Support for Success Village

April 23, 2026

Dear Neighbor,
 

Here are the sections in today's email:
  • Lower Electric Bills
  • Support for Residents of Success Village
  • Celebrating Bridgeport at the Capitol
  • Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  • Puerto Rican Parade & Festival
 

Lower Electric Bills

Good news! Beginning May 1, you will get some welcome relief on your electric bill thanks to a new deal involving the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

On average:

  • United Illuminating customers will save about $34 per month
  • Eversource customers will save about $30 per month

These savings are largely driven by lower public benefits costs, which, thanks to legislation we passed, will now be a credit on ratepayers’ bills. 

The lower rates are expected to remain in place through at least September for most households. This is a big step forward in making energy more affordable for Connecticut families!
Click here for more ways to save
 

Support for Residents of Success Village

The House recently advanced a measure providing targeted tax relief for the hundreds of residents at the Success Village housing cooperative in Bridgeport and Stratford.
 
Through no fault of their own, the complex endured years of severe financial mismanagement and neglected infrastructure, including periods without heat or hot water, resulting in mounting debt from unpaid property taxes and utility costs.

House Bill 5500, which I am a proud co-sponsor, allows those accumulated overdue tax interests to be forgiven at no cost to the state or the city of Bridgeport. The measure also gives residents a fair opportunity to recover from a deeply challenging situation they did not create and supports efforts to stabilize the complex’s finances.
 
The Senate has until May 6 to pass the measure before the end of the session.
 

Celebrating Bridgeport at the Capitol
I had the honor of participating in a powerful and unifying ceremony as the Bridgeport Delegation proudly celebrated our great city at the State Capitol. Together, we highlighted the strength, resilience, and rich diversity that define Bridgeport, while advocating for continued investment in our public schools.

As part of the celebration, Beardsley Zoo showcased some of its remarkable residents, including a boa constrictor and a macaw. Each animal has a unique story and journey to the zoo, demonstrates incredible intelligence, and plays an important role in the zoo’s mission to promote conservation. Their presence was a powerful reminder of Bridgeport’s commitment not only to education, but also to protecting the natural world for generations to come.  

Speaking of Beardsley Zoo, you don't want to miss “Party for the Planet,” a lively day of wildlife, conservation, and environmental learning on Saturday, April 25. The day will begin with a Beardsley Park Community Cleanup from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sign up for Beardsley Park Community Cleanup

Guests can also explore interactive activities including:

  • Energy In Action Exhibit – mind-blowing experiments & energy-saving hacks.
  • Eco-Festival Fun – live demos, conservation talks.
  • E-Waste Recycling with Junkluggers – bring your old laptops, cell phones, printers, and small appliances for responsible recycling.

I encourage everyone to participate in these events and commit to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our communities.

 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Connecticut State Police Troop (149 Prospect Street) in Bridgeport. This event provides residents with a free, anonymous, and convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications.
 

Puerto Rican Parade & Festival

Mark your calendars! The Puerto Rican Parade and Festival of Fairfield County will take place on Sunday, July 12 at Seaside Park Beach! This is an opportunity to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, heritage, and traditions. Come out and enjoy the Boricua party this summer!
Learn more about the parade here!
Courtesy: Efrain Santiago III