Public Utility Regulatory Authority Hearings

October 19, 2020

If you would like to offer testimony, please complete the linked form here.

Public comments will become part of the record and will be reviewed by PURA as part of the evidence in this proceeding. While PURA cannot respond directly to public comments, it can incorporate them in its decision-making process.

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, we heard from an overwhelming number of residents that Eversource and United Illuminating failed to adequately respond to the storm and inform customers. Last month we passed significant reforms to hold these companies accountable. The bill, known as "Take Back Our Grid," enacts the following:

  • Establishes Performance Based Ratemaking – where PURA sets standards the utilities must meet, develops metrics for determining progress, and allows the issuance of penalties if the utilities fail to meet the standard;
  • Requires the utilities to provide $25 daily bill credits and $250 total claim for food and medicine, as well as reduced charges to residential customers without power lasting more than 96 hours;
  • Ties the portion of executive salaries that come from ratepayers to the company's performance;
  • Develops minimum staffing levels for lineman, communications personnel and others to make sure the utilities respond to storms quickly and convey timely information to their customers. 

We are staying on it and working to provide residents, like you, relief during these already challenging times.