State Regulators Approve CL&P Rate Hike

HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- State regulators have approved a rate increase for customers of Connecticut Light & Power, although it's not as much as the utility had hoped for.

Flat fees on residential bills will rise from $16 a month to $19.25, WCBS 880's Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reported. CL&P had asked for approval from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to hike the rate to $25.50.

The increase will take effect in January.

State Attorney General George Jepsen, who was instrumental in lowering the higher rate sought by the utility, noted that the cost of electricity will rise as well.

"If you throw in the spike in electricity prices, which is distinct from the distribution being charged here, it amounts to about $7 a month for the average citizen," he told Schneidau.

CL&P said the rate hike is needed to help pay cost increases the utility incurred following the major storms of 2011 and 2012.

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