Connecticut Utilities to Send Bill Inserts Warning on Variable Rates

Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating, in consultation with PURA Staff, have developed bill inserts proposed to be issued with their May bills which warn customers about high variable rates recently experienced by certain competitive supply customers.

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The bill inserts, which are substantially identical aside from company-specific information (utility name, name of customer identifier, etc.), were developed to address many of the customer education concerns raised during recent hearings addressing potential customer protection changes in the retail market.

The bill inserts state: "Some customers have recently experienced very high generation rates under Variable rate plans versus Fixed rate plans" (emphasis in original).

The bill inserts inform customers that to switch, suppliers will need the customer's account number (or POD number) and name key located on their bill. In bolded red text, the inserts state: "Do not provide this information unless you are dealing with a licensed supplier and want to switch. CL&P [or UI] will NEVER come to your door or call to ask for your electric account information. DO NOT provide the information if someone represents himself in this way."

The bill inserts also inform the customer that they can always request an immediate drop from competitive supply to Standard Service by contacting the utility.