United Illuminating asked regulators on Monday whether they could raise rates to 8% over the next three years.
The new rates, if approved, would take effect after September 2023.
A spokesperson for the company said that the last case of the UI distribution fee was in 2016 and that the distribution fees for UI customers have not increased since January 1, 2019, and since since then inflation rates, the cost of doing business, have increased by more than 7%.
“Furthermore, UI has and continues to make significant investments necessary to continue to provide safe and reliable service to its customers while keeping rates stable,” he said.
The request drew criticism from Attorney General William Tong and consumer advocate Claire Coleman.
“UI customers are already struggling with the high costs of inflation and record electricity rates due to the volatility of the global energy market. My office will carefully review the details of UI’s request and offer to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) an alternative that prioritizes the well-being of Connecticut taxpayers,” Coleman said.
Tong said Connecticut families already pay too much for electricity.
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“A rate increase at this point will only make things worse,” Tong said. “My office will be intervening on behalf of consumers and we intend to aggressively scrutinize all charges and allegations in pursuit of savings.”