9% hike from Southern CT Gas is too much to ask

To whom it may concern at PURA: I am writing with regards to Southern Connecticut Gas Company’s proposal to raise their rates by 9 percent this year. Please note that its sister company, Connecticut Natural Gas, is seeking a more modest 4 percent hike. Because of inflation and price hikes since 2021, I do understand there needs to be an increase of perhaps 4 percent for SCG. However, 9 percent is simply too much to ask from people who are already feeling a financial burden here in Fairfield County with high electricity, water (and in Bridgeport an astronomically priced WPCA bill) and gasoline. Many people over the years have switched from oil and electric heat to gas because it was the most cost efficient way to heat our homes.

But now it looks like the heavy hand of payback is being proposed. This 9 percent will affect us all. My husband and I are at retirement age but we still work part-time because of the economy. We are only one example of the many people who will be affected if SCG goes through with this rate hike. Please don’t tell your customers we will ”only” pay an extra $14 per month, because that is not wise economics. Since the places we do business with (restaurants, food markets, retailers, etc.) will see a $422 hike, that will now drive up their prices. Now their 9 percent becomes 15 percent or 16 percent. Who will be affected the most? The middle class, as always.

Economically and ethically speaking, SCG must use wisdom and bring their rate increase down to 4 percent. Not everyone in Fairfield County has abundant wealth and many of us work within a tight budget.

Be honest and realistic, Southern Connecticut Gas Company. Be fair. Mrs. Rosemarie Young

Bridgeport