“The public benefits portion of my bill increased from $9.57 representing 6% of the June bill to $57.48 representing 22.7% of the July bill. This is unconscionable.

Instead of hitting rate payers with this enormous increase, the money to pay for covering non-payers during the Covid epidemic should come from the state’s General Fund or better yet from Federal relief funds provided to the state, or from the current huge state surplus.

With respect to the impending September increase for Ev Infrastructure, this increase rightly should come out of the General Fund.”

—David Ruscoe, Newtown

“In response to the recent changes to the Eversource Public Benefits charge, I feel as though we are stuck footing the bill for mismanagement on behalf of Eversource and the State of Connecticut. While I think any reasonable person could understand the pause in electric bills for a portion of time in early Covid days, it was enlightening to hear that the moratorium was still in place until just recently. Shame on the State of Connecticut for allowing that to continue for nearly four years. In addition, Eversource knew these were either bad debts to write off or they would need to put a collection plan in place for these consumers once the final approval came through to begin the collection process.

“The truly disheartening aspect is that Eversource’s earnings jumped from $15MM to $335MM YOY, coming at the expense of the consumer. I believe we have an obligation to be a good citizen and a small portion of the bill (7%) being allocated towards affordable energy seems reasonable. Where I take issue is that portion moving to 21% to cover mismanagement. This is even more true as we all consider that we have a choice in electricity suppliers, but the delivery and garbage fees added on are non-negotiable. PURA just approved a rate increase as well? When will it end?

“I have lost faith in Eversource and lost faith in our state leaders if I ever had it.”

—John Gonski, Sandy Hook

“I am a widow and 90 years of age, living on a fixed income of Social Security. The increase for ‘Public Benefits’ went from 7% to 21% and has increased my bill by $85.

“This increase is a strain on trying to sustain my living situation. I have lived in Sandy Hook since 1964 and want to continue to live in my home but cannot afford these unfair increases by Eversource.

“With inflation at an all time high, and Social Security being a fixed income, how can I afford these rising costs to pay for someone else when I can barely take care of myself? This increase is unnecessary and a true burden for me and others who are elderly with limited resources.

“Please reconsider this unnecessary charge for the elderly and Eversource please show some mercy.”

—Irene Scosta, Sandy Hook

"I have had so many issues with Eversource and previously CL&P.

My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2012. A healthy, athletic 44 year old father and husband.

Glioblastoma is environment al. I contacted several reps in 2012 and they read a script and would not listen. I talked to a manager who treated me the same way. They Zap our houses from the road to read our meters! There is no longer a meter person! That has radioactive components!

My husband was given one month to live and we said no way.

God gave him 6 1/2 years.

At times our bills were astronomical. No one ever suggested once he finally went on Disability we could get a reduction.

Now 12 years later after a 2 year fight, I am on Disability.

At times, with only one person living here, my bill was crazy.

They told me I must use too much electricity???

Medicare/Disability should send notice for a disabled person. I shouldn’t have to fight these big companies.

I will send my letter that shows the minimal amount of funds I receive , but it’s a monopoly and this has to stop! I’m also sick so sending them a letter is not high on my list when I’m in/out of hospitals.

I need air conditioning to breathe and can’t leave the house many days due to the air quality.

I am also a prisoner to these Big Companies.

I hope you are successful in bringing the concerns of Ct residents to their attention.

I have a great deal of Faith, but zero in them.

Thank you."

—Bridget Sclafani, Sandy Hook

Read the exclusive interview from Senator Tony Hwang and Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding here.