Sen. Gordon Calls on PURA to Hold Public Hearing in Northeast Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT — State Senator Jeff Gordon (R – Woodstock) is calling on the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to hold more in-person public hearings, including one in Northeast Connecticut, as part of its public comment process for Docket 26-05-10. The Docket concerns Eversource Energy’s request to increase its electric distribution rates. Eversource is seeking approximately $451 million in additional annual revenue through higher base distribution rates, with the company identifying an overall revenue deficiency of approximately $727 million when certain storm-related costs are included.

In a September 11 letter to PURA, Sen. Gordon raised concerns that PURA is not holding a public hearing in Northeast Connecticut and that there is a limited number of scheduled in-person public hearings.

According to the hearing schedule cited in Gordon’s letter, PURA scheduled three in-person hearings in New Britain, New London, and Danbury, as well as an additional virtual hearing.
“That is not sufficient,” Sen. Gordon wrote. “People living in Northeast Connecticut pay electric bills, including the many public benefit taxes that PURA put on their bills. People in Northeast Connecticut deserve to have the same in-person opportunities to participate in the regulatory process as those who live in other areas of the state.”

Gordon said requiring Northeast Connecticut residents to travel substantial distances to participate in person creates an unnecessary barrier, particularly for older adults, working families, people with disabilities, and residents without convenient access to transportation.

“Hard-working people cannot travel long distances to get to a public hearing because they are busy working to pay bills, including electric bills that have high amounts of public benefits taxes on them. PURA should step up and help them.”

While virtual participation provides another avenue for the public to comment, Gordon said it should supplement, not replace, reasonable access to in-person hearings throughout the state.
“Our residents care deeply about the affordability of electricity and the impact utility rates and taxes have on families, seniors, and small businesses,” Gordon said. “They deserve an opportunity to have their voices heard directly.”

Gordon is requesting that PURA add an in-person public hearing in Northeast Connecticut for the proceeding and give greater consideration to geographic accessibility when scheduling hearings in future cases.

“PURA is a statewide agency, and its public process should reflect that,” Gordon said. “Northeast Connecticut is not an afterthought to me. I work every day for my constituents as their State Senator. The people I represent deserve the same opportunity to show up, speak directly to regulators, and participate in decisions that affect their household budgets and businesses. I continue to highlight that PURA does not put ratepayers first over the utilities. But I do!”

In his letter, Gordon urged PURA to take “concrete steps” to ensure residents throughout Connecticut have meaningful opportunities to participate in regulatory proceedings.
During his four years as a State Senator, Gordon has been a leader in working to make electricity more affordable. He continues to do so through his Affordability Proposal.