As the United Illuminating Co. continues to fight the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s reduction of its rate increase request, the state Office of Consumer Counsel is seeking to join the fray.
UI, a subsidiary of Orange-based utility giant Avangrid, had requested an increase of $131 million over current rates, but PURA instead approved a $22 million increase. UI in September filed an appeal in Superior Court seeking to overturn PURA’s decision.
On Oct. 30, the state Office of Consumer Counsel, which advocates in matters impacting Connecticut consumers, filed motions to intervene in the appeal, as it hopes PURA’s decision will be upheld.
Consumer Counsel Claire E. Coleman said in an announcement, “United Illuminating’s appeals have commenced another lengthy process where they will attempt to distort the impact of PURA’s decision and weaken the integrity of Connecticut’s regulatory framework for the benefit of their bottom line.”
Coleman said her team succeeded in “demonstrating major shortcomings,” in UI’s original rate application and is prepared to do so during this appeals process.
“OCC will seek to ensure consumer interests are elevated in these appeals,” Coleman said.
UI, when it announced its appeal of PURA’s decision, asserted that it threatens to harm the company’s financial health. UI claims it would negatively impact its ability to invest in the electric grid, make storm resiliency improvements, and continue progress on the clean energy transition, such as the installation of more electric vehicle charging stations in Connecticut.
