Conn. utilities pay 6 figures to lobby lawmakers
The state’s power companies have spent upwards of $9 million lobbying the General Assembly since 2014 — and some believe that money was well spent.
Of all the companies that hire lobbyists, Eversource spent the most over the last two years, shelling out nearly $1.4 million to influence lawmakers.
Avangrid, which owns United Illuminating, spent more than $447,000 on lobbyists during the same period.
“I don’t think they are wasting their money,” said state Rep. Joe Gresko, DStratford and a member of the energy and technology committee.
“[Utility lobbyists] often prevent what they don’t want from happening,” Gresko said. “Stopping us from tweaking existing regulations and procedures is what they are normally concentrating on.”
Eversource and UI have been under fire for what critics say was slow power restoration after last month’s tropical storm, Isaias, which at one point left more than 800,000 customers in the dark.
Gov. Ned Lamont, state regulators and lawmakers expressed outrage over the storm response and the Legislature is considering a reform bill that would penalize power companies for poor performance and tie rates to similar metrics — provisions the utilities are likely to oppose and deploy lobbyists to block or weaken.
Mitch Gross, an Eversource spokesman, said the utility hires lobbyists to protect the company and its customers from harmful legislation.
“Our government affairs team works to stay ahead of any legislation that could impact our customers, employees and company — with a focus on keeping costs as low as possible while ensuring reliability and advancing a clean energy future,” Gross said.
State Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown and a vice chairman of the energy committee, said it’s difficult to defend against the lobbyists that swarm the committee.
“It’s an incredible challenge to go up against the array of special interests,”
Lesser said. “The game is rigged against working people and the economy pays a price.”
Lots of money
Records produced by the Connecticut Office of State Ethics show Eversource spent $6.4 million on lobbying since 2014. That figure includes direct payments to lobbying firms, as well as office, administrative and other expenses.
Avangrid spent nearly $2.7 million over the same period, records show.
Overall, companies, groups and causes spent nearly $72 million lobbying the Legislature between 2019 and 2020.
Lobbying is legal, as old as democracy itself and rooted in the right of citizens to petition their government, whether in person or through hired representatives.
While working the Capitol, lobbyists must wear name tags to identify themselves. They and those they represent must report how much they spend and earn to the ethics office.
Lobbyists are not allowed on the House and Senate floors, but they can buttonhole lawmakers in the hallways of the Capitol and are a frequent presence behind closed doors.
While lobbyists work under strict rules, lawmakers are allowed to work for a utility and serve in the Legislature.
State Sen. Kevin Witkos, R-Canton, is a community relations coordinator for Eversource and Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, is an Eversource corporate attorney. Neither serves on the energy committee.
Witkos said he was cleared by the state ethics office to serve as a senator and work at Eversource.
“Working for Eversource does not sway my vote,” Witkos said. “I take my role at Eversource seriously and my commitment to constituents just as seriously.”
The senator said he recuses himself when legislation directly impacts his employer and pointed out that he was instrumental in creating the Green Bank, which loans money for alternative energy projects, and legislation that mixes traditional power sources with renewable sources.
Kissel also said he is careful to recuse himself from voting on bills that impact Eversource.
“The state has specific rules to guide how lawmakers keep separate their personal employment from their elected role,” Kissel said. “Even though these rules actually permit me to vote on certain matters that may impact my employer, I choose not to because I want to go above and beyond to assure the public that there is never a conflict.”
Among lobbyists employed by Eversource is Jay Malcynsky, managing partner of Gaffney, Bennett and Associates Inc., whose political influence dates back to the days of former Gov. Lowell Weicker.
Gross said lobbying costs are not paid by ratepayers and stressed that staying on top of complicated energy legislation requires a government affairs team.
“We strive to be a reliable partner for our state government, a partner who provides objective analysis as the executive and legislative branches consider proposals that pertain to energy and the safe and reliable operation of the energy and water infrastructure in this state and the region,” Gross said.
“As a major employer and the state’s largest energy provider, we’re an important subject matter expert on the topic of energy for the legislators representing the 149 communities we serve,” Gross added.
Ed Crowder, a spokesman for Avangrid, said the company’s lobbyists help lawmakers make decisions, as well as resolve issues raised by constituents.
“Our government affairs team helps lawmakers understand the potential impacts of proposed legislation, so they can make well informed decisions,” Crowder said.
“Legislation can affect the rates that our customers pay, our ability to make necessary investments in infrastructure, or even service quality,” Crowder added.