Happy Sunday!
We have 75,884 signers and 532,030 petition views. Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared it. This is my 41st update. I did stand down the updates but the lunacy just continues in our state with these knuckleheads pushing a House Bill 5156.
This winter was rough, but we are finally nearing the end. Many of you felt the pain of higher electric and heating costs while trying to keep your homes warm. Unfortunately, it seems Connecticut policymakers did not feel that same pinch.
The image by Yankee Institute says a lot, because it reflects the reality many Connecticut residents are facing, including myself. Thanks for letting me steal it lol!
Mark Fitch of Inside Investigator reported in May of 2025 that Connecticut’s public benefits charge funds roughly 57 different programs, ranging from subsidies and rebates for electric vehicles to other new technology initiatives.
"Connecticut ratepayers currently cover roughly $1 billion per year in public benefits charges tied to government programs and energy procurement mandates, and have some of the highest electricity costs in the nation." You can read it here.
A more recent article on March 5, 2026, $3 billion in costs await next rate proceeding. Marc writes:
“In fact, PURA directives for CL&P’s future rate case contemplates a $3 billion rate proceeding, including an estimated base revenue deficiency in the range of $400 million or more, deferred storm costs of at least $1.2 billion, and a five-year reliability and resiliency plan on the order of $400 million and consideration of costs for advanced metering infrastructure totaling $1.2 billion,” Horton continued. “All of these cost items are stacked up for resolution in that case, which is not in the interests of customers.”
Andrew Fowler of the Yankee Institute also wrote about the affordability problem. Andrew writes:
“The Public Benefits Charge, a state-imposed fee on electric bills that funds various renewable energy programs, has become another driver of high rates. When policy costs are layered onto utility bills, households feel it immediately.” You can read the whole article here.
Today, we are also seeing global pressures on energy prices. With the growing conflict involving Iran, gas and oil prices are temporarily spiking. At the time of this writing, crude oil futures are around $90.90 per barrel, which will only add further pressure to energy costs for Connecticut residents.
As if that were not enough, House Bill 5156 proposes creating a state “Climate Superfund.” According to reporting by Meghan Portfolio of the Yankee Institute, the proposal could increase gasoline prices by as much as 33 cents per gallon. The bill would require fossil-fuel companies to pay billions of dollars for greenhouse-gas emissions dating back nearly three decades.
Meghan writes:
“HB 5156 asks Connecticut residents to absorb billions in new energy costs while assuming the economic consequences will somehow stay contained.” You can read the whole article here.
It is also worth noting that every sponsor and co-sponsor of this bill is a Democrat. Anyone can review the bill and see exactly who is backing it by clicking on the Mehgan's article.
Connecticut Republicans have spoken out against these policies and are attempting to push back. However, with Democrats controlling the governor’s office and both chambers of the legislature, the reality is that these policies continue moving forward.
A recent petition comment pretty much sums it all.
Dylan Rios commented 2 weeks ago:
“As prices continues to surge across the state, with the cost of energy being the most prominent increase, all the members of my household are seeing crippling financial strain—leaving little to nothing leftover to be allocated towards our quality-of-life and personal betterment. This way of living is not sustainable"
~scott~