Bob Godfrey

I am furious over the callousness and incompetence of Eversource!

It refused to prepare for a dangerous storm. It failed to repair the lines in a timely manner because they downsized line worker jobs; in 2008 there were 750 line workers, but in 2020 only 525. It put lives at risk. It has shown no remorse.
 
There are two state responses. First, the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee led by Danbury Representative David Arconti, Jr., and Representative Raghib Alli-Brennan, will investigate and propose legislation.

Second, the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) will be conducting both and investigation and review Eversource’s rate hike request.
 
You have the opportunity to express your opinion on the recent rate increase by Eversource. As customers of the utility, we were all astonished to receive an exceptionally high bill recently, which placed yet another burden on hard working people trying to navigate the pandemic.
 
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has announced a hearing on the matter:

In response to the rate increase, I joined with my legislative colleagues in calling on PURA to suspend the hike and conduct a review of Eversource to determine if the utility is benefiting from increased revenues at taxpayer expense. [Note: a similar rate increase request from United Illuminating has been suspended indefinitely]
 
During the hearing – via ZOOM – Eversource will respond to questions. It will be carried 'live' on CT-N and anyone wishing to follow or participate must first register online.

After registering, a confirmation will be sent with a direct link to the online proceedings. PURA will begin with comments from elected officials before conducting the evidentiary portion will include the opportunity for public comment. Written testimony from the public can be emailed anytime to pura.information@ct.gov prior to the conclusion of the hearing.

Mail written testimony as follows:
PURA
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051

The legislature's Energy and Technology Committee is planning a public hearing and has invited Eversource CEO James Judge to participate. PURA will also investigate Eversource's preparedness and response to Tropical Storm Isaias which left hundreds of thousands of customers without power – some for up to a week or longer. I will keep you informed on these issues as details become available.