Standing with Moderate Caucus in Supporting Solutions to Address the Spike in Energy Bills

August 14, 2024
 
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Dear Neighbor, 

If you saw an unwelcome rise in your electricity bill this month, I want you to know that I share your frustration and I am reaching out to provide some background information and to let you know the steps I am taking to address what is happening.
 
The recent spike in consumer’s electric bills is unacceptable. Unfortunately, I was not in office when decisions about the now public benefits programs that are concerning to many were put in place during the Covid Era and in 2017 when the Millstone legislation was passed. Let me be clear: No one should have to pay someone else's electric bill, and if I were in office at that time, I would have questioned any proposals that would have impacted rate payers’ bills. Nonetheless, I did not seek public office to point fingers, rather I believe we need to find ways to work in a bi-partisan manner to address the challenging issues that confront us. 
You might appreciate knowing that over the last two years there are some measures I have taken to hold energy companies accountable.  Last legislative session, I voted against legislation that would have raised electric bills (HB 5004). In 2023, I voted for a pro consumer energy bill (SB 7) that provided predictability and transparency for rate payers. This bill prohibited utility companies from using our electric rates to pay for lobbying, marketing, and travel/lodging for company executives.
 
Despite these measures, I believe the current system is broken and we need to take a hard look at how we can reform our energy delivery model to make it fairer and more sustainable for ratepayers. I have knocked on thousands of doors in our town and I have heard, and know first-hand, that our utility bills are too high. An immediate action I have taken to demonstrate my commitment to finding ways to decrease the cost of energy was to work with members of the moderate caucus to develop and propose the list of solutions, detailed in the press release that follows, for long-term stability and competition in our electric bills. I am happy to meet with constituents at any time to discuss these proposals in more detail.
 
I do appreciate the many residents who have contacted me and understand the frustration and hardships the increase in costs is creating for many families.  As your State Representative I will continue to advocate on your behalf and work as hard as I can to address your concerns.