Connecticut Senate Republicans are asking New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to reconsider policies that have limited natural gas pipeline expansion into New England, arguing that decisions made across the state line are contributing to higher energy costs in Connecticut.
In a July 22 letter, seven Republican senators said Connecticut families and businesses continue to face some of the highest electricity and heating costs in the country while the region remains constrained in its access to natural gas.
According to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, Connecticut residential customers paid 27.37 cents per kilowatt-hour in May, nearly 49 percent above the national average.
The rate fell sharply after a temporary public benefits credit took effect May 1, cutting residential bills by roughly 14 percent, but Eversource is now seeking a separate rate increase that could raise the average residential bill by as much as 18 percent beginning in July 2027 if state regulators approve the full request.
“While Connecticut must continue to evaluate and improve its own energy policies, we cannot ignore the regional infrastructure constraints that contribute significantly to these costs,” the senators wrote.
The letter was signed by Sens. Ryan Fazio (Greenwich), Jason Perillo (Shelton), Henri Martin (Bristol), Jeff Gordon (Woodstock), Heather Somers (Groton), Rob Sampson (Wolcott) and Paul Cicarella (North Haven).
Sampson said the letter is intended to open a broader discussion over regional energy policy. “We are reaching out in good faith to Gov. Hochul to say, ‘Hey, residents and businesses in both our states are being absolutely crushed by electricity costs. So, let’s talk about solutions. Let’s work together to address the crisis and do something about it,’” Sampson said. “We hope Gov. Hochul views this as a respectful request. We look forward to productive dialogue. Without it, the burdens on families and businesses in both our states will only continue to grow.”
Hellbound and Down 