Sen. Blumenthal Pushes For Federal Intervention Over CL&P Bill Increase

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - The push is on for federal intervention over fixed charges on many Connecticut electric bills.

State regulators trimmed CL&P's rate request and even lowered the company's profit margin on its poor performance after recent storms. But as WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported, they allowed a monthly fee of $19.25-- an increase from the current $16.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal wants the feds to review a charge that he says amounts to a loss of consumer control over bills.

"They can't be more efficient or conserve energy because their charges are increased, regardless of how much they use or whether they use any at all," he said.

A company spokesman says there are significant expenses and a complex electrical system, and it's crucial we continue making investments.

CL&P had sought a monthly fee of more than $25.

You Might Also Be Interested In: