Hearings on 6.79 percent Eversource rate increase scheduled

NEW BRITAIN — Hearings will begin at the end of the month on Eversource Energy’s request for an average rate increase of 6.79 percent for the distribution portion of its customers’ bills.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has released a schedule of 14 hearing hearing dates, with the first scheduled for Jan. 24 at PURA’s New Britain headquarters at 10 Franklin Square. The schedule includes three off-site hearings, including one scheduled for Jan. 31 in Branford at the Fire Department headquarters at 45 North Main St.

A draft decision in the case is due to be released in mid-April, according to documents filed by PURA officials.

Mitch Gross, a spokesman for Eversource, said the winter storm hitting Connecticut Thursday is a perfect illustration of why the company needs to continue investing in its distribution network.

“These are targeted investment designed to strengthen our distribution network against severe weather,” Gross said. “We’re investing in new pole, more resilient wires and other technology that help us keep the power on.”

Eversource announced its intention to seek a distribution rate hike at the end of October.

“We’re investing in new pole, more resilient wires and other technology that help us keep the power on.” Mitch Gross, Eversource spokesman

The new distribution rates, if approved, would take effect May 21 and would cover a three-year period. The company is seeking a rate increase of $255.8 million in the first year, $45 million in the second year and $36 million in the final year.

Gross said distribution upgrades and targeted tree trimming efforts have helped reduce the number of storm-related outages by 34 percent since 2012.

But Eversource’s handling of hundreds of thousands of power outages in Connecticut during a storm at the end of October led officials in Essex to argue that the company’s rate increase is unwarrented.

The proposed rate hike is also drawing opposition from state Sen. Len Suzio, R-Meriden, who said adding the cost of doing business in Connecticut is a bad idea.

“We are already paying some of the highest electric rates in the country and this will only add to that,” said Suizio, whose district includes Cheshire and Middletown. “If we’re going to turn around the budget crisis the state is in, we can’t be doing things to discourage business.”

Eversource last sought a distribution rate increase four years ago. Connecticut law also require that utilities file rate reviews with PURA every four years, according to agency officials.

Eversource provides electricity for 1.2 million customer in 149 Connecticut communities.