Sen. Jeff Gordon Testifies in Support of SB 647 to Remove Public Benefit Charges from Electric Bills

HARTFORD, CT – Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) testified today before the Energy and Technology Committee in support of S.B. 647, legislation he co-introduced and co-sponsored, alongside his republican colleagues, to lower electricity costs in the state and eliminate the Public Benefit program taxes from Eversource and UI electric bills. This bill aims to provide much-needed financial relief to Connecticut ratepayers by ensuring electric bills reflect only the cost of electricity used.

“The high cost of living in Connecticut, combined with the additional expenses from these taxes, has made it clear that the current policy is unsustainable,” said Sen. Gordon. “Electric bills should be only about the electricity you use and nothing else.”

Sen. Gordon emphasized that these Public Benefit charges, which fund various initiatives through taxpayer subsidies, have not delivered the affordable, reliable energy that hardworking people, families, seniors, and small businesses need. Instead, they have placed an unnecessary burden on ratepayers, when Connecticut is already the second most expensive state for energy costs. We already know CT is unaffordable for too many people.

“Rather than continuing down a path that burdens residents with high costs, we must focus on realistic, common-sense, and affordable approaches to energy policy and climate concerns,” Sen. Gordon added.

As a strong advocate for lowering energy costs, Sen. Gordon has introduced multiple bills addressing energy affordability, long-term energy policy, and climate resiliency. He remains committed to practical solutions that put Connecticut residents first.

“SB 647 is an important step toward rebalancing our energy policies and ensuring that Connecticut’s energy future is both affordable and sustainable,” he said.

###