Connecticut GOP-backed bill aims to eliminate public benefits charge on electric bill
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A public hearing in Hartford on a bill designed to lower electric rates. It's backed by republicans who want to get rid of the 'public benefits charge' on your power bill. Democrats also say they want to lower rates but say it's a long-term problem.
This idea has a lot of people talking. A big chunk of your electric bill consists of this public benefits charge. Republicans say get rid of that, and everybody's bill gets a lot cheaper.
Connecticut lawmakers prepare to tackle energy costs in 2025 legislative session
Most Democrats are fighting that because of what the charge funds. It supports energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy, Operation Fuel, which helps keep the lights and heat on for low-income families.
It also funds low-income loan programs and assistance for customers struggling to pay their electric bills.
Republicans say it funds over 40 different discretionary government programs and is equivalent to a 'hidden tax' on electric bills.
They want to get rid of that hidden tax. They tried to do this last year, as well. Democrats say high electric rates are a long-term problem they are working on.
Right now, democratic Representative Mary Mushinsky has a press conference planned for 10 here at the Legislative Office Building. It says she is supporting the public benefits charge.
Then, the Energy and Technology Committee is scheduled to begin its hearing at 10:30.
I looked up the list of people who have signed up to speak at that hearing. There are close to a thousand people on that list, so this could be a very long day for the people in that hearing.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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