Connecticut State Capitol, August 27, 2024
As your state Senator, I stood with my fellow House and Senate Republicans to petition Governor Lamont for a special legislative session to address the outrageous energy costs that are crippling our state. This summer’s surge in electricity bills has ignited a firestorm of concern among residents, and as your elected representative, I am fighting for you – I am leading the charge for immediate and meaningful relief.
This upcoming election and political campaigning are not about me—it’s about reiterating my unwavering commitment to fighting for you: the ratepayers, constituents, parents, children, seniors, veterans, and our most vulnerable and at-risk populations. For over a decade, I have been a vocal and effective advocate for transparency, affordability, and fairness in government, and now, more than ever, we must confront this energy affordability crisis with bold, decisive action. Before you are persuaded by misinformation and political rhetoric, I urge you to ask for the facts.
I am calling on both parties to put aside partisan differences and work together to provide the relief our residents desperately need. “I welcome my fellow Democrat legislators to join the Republicans and sign this petition to Governor Lamont, emphasizing the dire need for a special session to address rising energy bills as a nonpartisan issue,” I stated. “This is not the time for finger-pointing. It’s time to focus on solutions that will ease the crushing burden on Connecticut’s families.”
Your voices and struggles have been heard loud and clear—energy affordability is one of the most pressing issues on the minds of my constituents. That’s why I am demanding immediate action. Waiting until after the election in January 2025 to address this crisis is unacceptable. Every day of delay is another day that families and businesses are forced to make impossible choices between paying their electric bills and putting food on the table.
In this requested special session, I am pushing for concrete measures to deliver both short-term and sustained relief to ratepayers:
– Eliminating Hidden Taxes: Moving “public benefits charges” off ratepayer bills permanently, removing this hidden tax burden, and shifting it to the state budget.
– Providing Immediate Relief: Reallocating unobligated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and other budgetary resources to cover recent rate increases and provide immediate financial relief.
– Capping Future Energy Costs: Implementing caps on Power Purchase Agreements (renewable, nuclear, and others) to no more than 150% over the wholesale electric market price.
– Promoting Competition: Redefining Class I renewable energy sources to foster competition and drive down costs.
– Restoring Regulatory Independence: Ensuring the independence of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) by separating it from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), guaranteeing fair and unbiased rate-setting.
– PURA Rate Setting Considerations: Demanding that PURA scrutinizes all aspects of Energy Delivery Companies’ operational costs and profits in rate-setting decisions, including cost pass-throughs such as public benefits, political lobbying, and finance charges.
I have fought tirelessly for our community over the past 10 years, and my commitment to you is stronger than ever. This is not just about policy and politics – it’s about protecting our residents from the crushing weight of unfair energy costs and ensuring a brighter, more affordable future for all.
Together, let’s continue to fight for solutions that benefit every Connecticut resident. I hope to have earned your vote and support in November. If you have questions or are financially struggling to pay utility costs, call or text 203-807-8098 or email me at Tony@TonyHwang.org.
