Reduced Electricity Rates, Memorial Day Open House, and more

May 22, 2023


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

Happy Monday! Below, please find information on upcoming events in Fairfield, happenings at the Capitol, and more. For your convenience, here are some helpful links to all the information included in this email:
 
Reduced Electricity Rates
Eversource and United Illuminating, Connecticut's two main electric distribution companies, file to change rates twice annually, with the rates going into effect on Jan. 1 and July 1 of each year. They have filed new and lower standard service rates for residential customers from July 1 through Dec. 31 with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, and the average bills are expected to decrease significantly from current levels. This is welcome news and relief for ratepayers after their Jan.. 1 rate request was a steep increase.
While dropping electricity rates is positive news, PURA also recently took a significant step toward additional accountability for Eversource and UI by implementing performance-based regulation (PBR) starting in 2024. Connecticut is one of the first states in the country to establish such a system as part of the “Take Back Our Grid Act” we passed in October 2020.

PBR has the potential to align regulatory tools since there are certain goals Eversource and UI will be expected to achieve, including fulfillment of public policies, empowering customers, and providing reasonable, equitable, and affordable rates as opposed to roller coaster increases and decreases.

Connecticut’s implementation of PBR signals a commitment to dually improving utility performance and customer outcomes. It is not an attempt to hurt the utilities. PBR will, however, show residents that the utilities will keep their best interests in mind within a specific operating framework.
 
Mental Health Day at the Capitol
Tomorrow, May 23 at 10 am, the Capitol will host organizations from around the state to highlight non-profit organizations and small businesses that focus on mental health and wellness. Our goal is to provide resources to educate ourselves more about stress management, grief, and living healthier lives. Throw on some green and head to the North Lobby!
 
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day, and Fairfield will hold its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies starting at 10 am. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, thankfulness, and unity. While Memorial Day is a solemn day to honor and pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, this parade always provides a beautiful tribute and opportunity for us to come together as a community.

The event starts at 10am and will run east from South Pine Creek Road along the Post Road to the Library, then south along Old Post Road to Flint's Corner, and then east along Old Post Road passing the Town Green and continuing beyond South Benson Road. I hope to see you there!
 
Memorial Day Open House
Next Monday, May 29, from 12 - 3 pm, enjoy free admission to the Fairfield Museum as part of the Memorial Day Town Parade. Bring family and friends for a fun-filled afternoon, including crafts and games. Let's kick off the summer season together!
 
Bottle Deposit Drive
Don't forget! The Sustainable Warde Club at Fairfield Warde High School is partnering with EyeRecycle for a Townwide Bottle Deposit Drive June 3 from 9 am - 1 pm. You can bring deposit-able soda cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. Proceeds will go to the Sustainable Warde Club and their mission of sustainability.
 
Fairfield Museum Free Military Admission
The Fairfield Museum is offering free admission to military personnel and their families this summer as part of the 2023 Blue Star Museums program. The 2023 program began Saturday on Armed Forces Day, and will end on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023.

This is one small token of our gratitude to military personnel and their families, and I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity if you're eligible.

Find the list of participating museums here.
 
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
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences