Connecticut officials are proposing legislation that would impose rules on electricity suppliers accused of rapidly raising prices and deceptive practices.
Gov. Dannel Malloy and other top officials appeared at a Hartford senior citizen center to detail their proposed “bill of rights” for consumers.
He was joined by Attorney General George Jepsen, Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz and Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr.
Officials said the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has received more than 1,300 complaints this year from consumers about electric suppliers and other companies.
SEE THE COMPLAINTS SCORECARD HERE.
The legislation would establish new rate disclosures, make it easier for customers to drop a supplier, impose a three-month requirement that electric rates be fixed and make other changes.
Dozens of electricity suppliers have entered the market since Connecticut deregulated utilities in 1998.
“While we have not seen the legislative language associated with the Governor’s proposals, AARP is encouraged by his remarks and his recognition that the third party electric supply market needs to be fixed,” AARP State Director, Nora Duncan said in a statement. “… We look forward to reviewing the proposed bill language and sharing it with our members and older residents to ensure that the proposed reforms address the most common issues facing electric customers.”
