Newly sworn in Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen last week called for strict scrutiny for the proposed rate increase from the Yankee Gas Services Co.
In a move that was also typical of his predecessor, Jepsen said the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control should ensure that ratepayers aren’t being asked to pay more than what is justified under law.
Yankee Gas requested a rate increase of $45.8 million, which is a 10 percent increase in total revenue. The state’s biggest natural gas utility will use the increase to create a better distribution system, better service to its customers and a fair return to its investors. The rate increase is spread out over two years.
“In these very difficult economic times, a 10 percent increase seems excessive. It is essential the costs of utility services are maintained as affordable as possible,” Jepsen said in a statement.
