FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
October 14, 2026
SENATOR ANWAR SUBMITS TESTIMONY OPPOSING EVERSOURCE PROPOSED RATE INCREASE
Members of the public can submit written comments through January 2027
This week, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) submitted testimony to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority in strong opposition to a proposed rate increase sought by Eversource, noting the proposal, which could increase electricity rates in Connecticut by up to 18%, would add to financial strain faced by many Connecticut families.
In July, Eversource filed a request for an annual rate increase of $727 million, which would raise consumer monthly electric bills by up to 18%. It’s the first rate hike Eversource sought since 2017. Just under half of the proposal involves storm-related costs from 2018 to 2025.
With consumer costs climbing – inflation in September rose to 3.7% due to fuel cost surges – the rate increase comes across as tone-deaf given Eversource profits doubled in 2025 and Eversource CEO Joe Nolan recently told shareholders the company “shut the faucet off in Connecticut,” holding back on investments in the state.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments in writing on the Eversource rate increase proposal. They can send written comments via email to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov with their name, home address and the Eversource proposal’s docket number, 26-05-10. They can also attend in-person or virtual public comment hearings taking place in November and December. Comments need to be submitted through January 27, 2027 for them to be considered by PURA staff studying the proposal.
The text of Sen. Anwar’s testimony is available in full below:
To the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority,
I write today in strong opposition to Eversource’s rate request seeking a significant increase in revenue for the utility company. At a time when regular residents’ ability to afford everyday expenses is strained and when Eversource corporate income remains high, in addition to concerning public remarks recently made by Eversource’s CEO, it is not fathomable for Connecticut to approve an increase to consumer bills as high as 18%.
In the midst of inflation, high fuel costs and other financial pressures, Connecticut families are struggling to make ends meet. When groceries, housing, child care, gasoline and fuel and other daily expenses are dragging on our residents, for the cost of another everyday need – electricity is far from a luxury we can go without – to climb so high is morally and ethically challenging. Our residents should not be expected to shoulder high costs and potentially go without when the financial gravity of the situation is so apparent.
What makes this more striking is while everyday residents are experiencing issues, Eversource itself is doing more than fine. In 2025, the company reported twice the profits it did in 2024, delivering significant funds to its shareholders. In other words, the big corporation is making money hand over fist while Main Street goes without. This comes as Eversource also continues to charge high costs for electricity and gas.
That’s not all. In a recent discussion with shareholders, Eversource CEO Joe Nolan told them that the company has “over $1 billion in cash coming in the door” and encouraged investors to “get in heavy,” adding that the company “shut the faucet off in Connecticut,” implying the utility held back on investments in Connecticut until it could secure new revenue. My colleagues and I plan to investigate the depth of these comments, but for now, they serve as a concerning backdrop for the ongoing issues at hand.
In light of regular Connecticut residents struggling while Eversource is already making profits hand over fist, and in light of the company’s leadership indicating it is making decisions to negatively impact ratepayers in the state, I strongly oppose Eversource’s rate request and I encourage PURA to dive deep into the records, documents and information it reviews to ensure the people of Connecticut aren’t put in an even more precarious financial position.
Sincerely,
State Senator Saud Anwar