Connecticut Utility Restructuring Legislation

Legislation Cite and Date
HB 5005, PA 98-28 (4/98)

Low-Income Provisions
Imposes a systems benefits charge that could include funding for "electric service bill payment programs, funding and technical support for energy assistance, fuel bank and weatherization programs and weatherization services."

Low-Income Rate Assistance
Systems benefits charge includes, among other things, some of the two largest electric utilities' low-income assistance expenses including arrearages and write-offs of uncollectibles incurred by hardship customers and complying with the state’s consumer protection statutes.

Low-Income Conservation
The two largest electric utilities operate electric energy efficiency programs.

Annual Funding (2007)
Rate Assistance: $3.7 million (electric arrearage forgiveness)
Conservation: $7.2 million

Apart from the SBC, a gas arrearage forgiveness program has been mandated by statute for a number of years for households. During 2007, gas companies claimed about $10.5 million in expenses for this program.

Funding Mechanism
Rate assistance: Systems benefits charge on all electric distribution customers.

Conservation: Surcharge of 0.3 cents per kWh is assessed for energy conservation programs that include low-income.

Administration:
Utilities with oversight by Department of Public Utility Control

Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: Less than $700,000

Page Last Updated: March 10, 2008