AARP Comment on PURA’s Decision of United Illuminating Company’s Request to Amend Rate Schedule

AARP Connecticut issued the following statement regarding the final decision by the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) to United Illuminating Company’s (UI) application to amend its rate schedule (Docket 24-10-04).

“The decision in the United Illuminating (UI) rate case presents a mixed outcome for ratepayers,” said John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Senior Advocacy Director. “While PURA set the return on equity at 9.25%, a figure below the national average and significantly less than UI’s original request, the decision still results in an average increase of approximately $10 per month in distribution charges on customer bills. This added cost comes at a time when many residents are already grappling with the pressures of inflation and rising living expenses.”

Of particular concern is the requirement for UI to submit a transition plan for mandatory time-of-use (TOU) rates by October 2027.

Erlingheuser added, “AARP strongly opposes mandatory TOU rates, which disproportionately impact low- and moderate-income households and older adults. Many of these residents rely on electricity for essential medical devices and cannot easily shift their usage to off-peak hours. Mandatory TOU rates risk penalizing those who need consistent access to electricity, forcing them to pay higher rates during peak periods when their usage is often unavoidable.”