RESA Cites Retail Suppliers' Lower Complaint Vs. Utilities in Connecticut, Points To Available Rate Savings From Shopping

In the wake of a petition from the Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel to open an investigation into alleged "abusive" practices of retail suppliers, including the potential for a prohibition on shopping for hardship customers (see story here), the Retail Energy Supply Association noted retail suppliers' lower complaint rate versus the utilities, and the numerous competitive products offering savings or added value currently available to Connecticut customers

RESA said that, based on information shared at routine monthly stakeholder meetings with PURA Staff to discuss the marketplace, competitive retail energy suppliers have a lower complaint rate than the electric utility distribution companies from July through November

RESA further said that, for three months, competitive suppliers had equal or fewer complaints than the cable companies also regulated by PURA.

RESA also said, "It is clear from the official state rate board (www.energizect.com) that the competitive market continues to provide consumers with valuable options."

Based on the rate board, RESA noted the following information

At Eversource:

• "For customers looking to save money, today there are 14 fixed-price offers available (with a minimum term of 6 months) that are below Eversource’s comparable rate."

• "For customers concerned about the environment, there are 23 offers available providing at least 50% green energy, including one that is priced below the Eversource rate. "

• "For customers worried about budget certainty, there are 18 offers with a rate that is fixed for at least 2 years. "

At United Illuminating:

• "For customers looking to save money, today there are 40 fixed price offers available (with a minimum term of 6 months) that are below UI’s comparable rate. "

• "For customers concerned about the environment, there are 22 offers available providing at least 50% green energy, including several that are priced below the UI rate. "

• "For customers worried about budget certainty, there are 17 offers with a rate that is fixed for at least 2 years. Several of these offers provide this price stability for a rate that is less than UI’s current standard offer rate. "

"RESA is committed to continue working with PURA to improve competitive results for all customers," RESA said

"Competitive retail energy suppliers have been active stakeholders in the design and development of a suite of consumer protection measures implemented in Connecticut of late. These include such measures as a ban of variable rates, key revisions to how residential electric bills are formatted and creation of the state rate board (www.energizect.com)," RESA said

"RESA believes PURA has the tools it needs to adequately respond to, and rein in, improper activities," RESA said