ANSONIA/DERBY – On Sept. 17, The Valley Indy emailed the candidates in the 104th state House district race a series of questions regarding recent electric rate hikes in Connecticut. Below are Independent candidate Tom Egan’s responses to those questions.
Click here for a summary of all candidates’ responses.
Click here for responses from Republican nominee, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti.
Click here for responses from Democratic nominee, state Rep. Kara Rochelle.
Note: responses from the candidates were lightly edited for style. The content of their responses was not changed.
VIS: Why did electric rates this year spike for many consumers? Have they spiked in the 104th?
Egan: Electric rates spiked this year largely due to the public benefits portion of the bill, which stems from policies set by elected officials. The July 1, 2024, increase is primarily the result of a deal to keep the Millstone Power Plant operational, alongside costs associated with unpaid bills accrued during the pandemic, due to the moratorium on utility shut-offs. Residents in the 104th District have experienced these rate hikes, adding financial strain to households and businesses alike.
VIS: What actions will you, if elected, take to ensure stable, affordable rates for ratepayers in your district?
Egan: If elected, I will prioritize diversifying our energy sources and expanding renewable energy programs to reduce dependence on volatile, fossil-fuel-powered electricity. I will also advocate for a thorough review of current policies driving these increases, particularly focusing on how the public benefits charge is structured. Additionally, I’ll support transparency in the regulatory process to hold utility companies accountable, ensuring ratepayers aren’t unfairly burdened by policy decisions. Relief measures for low-income households must also be a top priority.
VIS: Sen. Ryan Fazio, a Republican, wrote in an op-ed that most of the public benefits charge should be eliminated. He wrote: “The 15 different programs (included in the charge) include subsidies for the unpaid bills of customers from the state’s four-year ‘shutoff moratorium’ to various subsidies for energy producers and several other programs.” He argued these programs should be either eliminated or “vetted.” Do you agree with Sen. Fazio’s proposal? Why or why not?
Egan: I acknowledge Senator Fazio’s concerns regarding the public benefits charge and the need for scrutiny over its components. While I agree that evaluating the effectiveness of these programs is necessary, I believe that outright elimination may not be the most prudent approach. Many programs funded by this charge, such as energy assistance for low-income residents and renewable energy initiatives, provide substantial benefits. A balanced approach would involve a thorough audit to identify and reform or eliminate inefficiencies while preserving programs that offer clear advantages to the community.
