State and Local Updates

April 21, 2023
Natural gas prices are trending downward, which means the cost of wholesale electricity is dropping and you will see lower electricity bills this summer.
The energy supply price for Eversource electric customers changes twice a year, representing the cost that Eversource pays generators for the power that customers use. Eversource only charges customers what it pays generators for producing the power and does not earn a profit on the cost of electricity. In Connecticut, the Standard Service rate changes every January 1 and July 1. Eversource will file the July 1 rates with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in mid-May and the new rate will be announced at that time.
 
While dropping electricity rates is positive news, the cost of natural gas, which provides the fuel for the majority of heat and electricity across Connecticut and New England, is subject to continued market volatility. Higher supply costs are likely again this coming winter.

Connecticut also has a resource to help consumers make an informed choice about which electric providers to use. Energize CT publicly posts information about electricity providers, from Eversource to Town Square to Xoom Energy. Energize CT provides information about base rates, plan terms and conditions, and expected monthly costs for a particular plan.
This is a resource you can, and should, all review before potentially choosing a new provider. Please reach out to my office if you have any additional questions.
CEAP and LIHWAP Now Accepting Applications
Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) 2022-2023 Program Year are being accepted. Eligible households can qualify for up to $1,000 in water assistance if they have disconnected service or are behind on bills. Payment includes all fees and charges if at imminent risk of household water or wastewater service disconnect.

The deadline to apply is May 31, which can be done by clicking HERE.

You do not need to contact the Manchester Water and Sewer Department, once you are approved for the program. They will automatically apply the approved LIHWAP payment to your water account once the payment is received. 
StreetScan Manchester
The Town of Manchester has contracted with StreetScan, a Massachusetts-based company, which has assessed streets in over 100 communities in North America, to scan all Town-owned roads in Manchester.

StreetScan employs vehicle-mounted sensing technology to assess road conditions in normal traffic flow. The system utilizes its technology to determine the health of each street and to identify road defects including potholes, bumps, and cracking. This data helps to identify and prioritize resurfacing and repair needs.

Collection is scheduled to begin today and take approximately one week to complete.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Engineering Division at (860) 647-3158 or pwinfo@manchesterct.gov. 
Early Childhood Fair

Manchester’s Early Childhood Fair is free, open to the public, and provides a wealth of information on programs, services, recreation, and local resources available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children up to age 8 as well as prenatal mothers.

This event will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Northwest Park on 448 Tolland Turnpike. 
Earth Day Cleanup

Saturday is Earth Day, so please consider joining the East Side cleanup between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. that starts by meeting at the former firehouse at Spruce and Florence Streets. Bring gloves, water, and large black plastic bags, if you have them, to lend a hand on Earth Day!