Happy Friday everyone!

I wanted to share a comment to everyone from one of our signers, James, who sums it up very eloquently, articulate, and is spot on! 

"The "Public Benefit" expense, newly integrated within CT Eversource customer billing, is unreasonable, intolerable, and ill conceived. This expense disproportionality affects residents of all demographic backgrounds, as there is no clear formula for how the percentage of "Public Benefit" is calculated within residential electricity billing. Moreover, the language surrounding the expense is elusive and cryptic at best i.e. "cost to support energy programs authorized by the state.”

The language continues, stating, "this change is dependent upon usage," though there is no clear breakdown of how this expense is compiled, nor any explanation as to where the funding actually goes. This expense is detrimental to the financial well-being of CT residents, and contributes to ongoing inflation crisis. This tactic of introducing fundraising for enacting policy within residential electricity billing is unethical and ineffective back channel taxation.

Through this “Public Benefit” expense, Eversource customers are encouraged to try to offset the additional cost of this expense by seeking to adopt renewable energy sources, such as solar or geo thermal heating. There is a clear distinction between incentivizing a sustainable future and extorting funding from CT residents to monopolize that future before it comes to fruition.

I am advocating for a cease and desist regarding the “Public Benefit” expense, and all funds paid towards this expense be retroactively reimbursed to customers. The “Public Benefit” expense is case and point for how PURA continues to miss the mark when it comes to championing both the rights of consumers as well as the growth and development of this state."

Thank you, James for posting!

Have a safe and healthy weekend. We are approaching 3,000 signatures! Lets share and keep it going!! 

much love - scott