Connecticut Residential Electric Rates
If you are living or moving to Connecticut, there is a high chance that you pay electricity bills. It does not have to be a dreadful experience. Below you will find everything you need to know about how to switch power suppliers, how do CT electricity rates compare, what are the perks and drawbacks of different energy plans and how to do your bit for the environment with an alternative energy solution.
What do Connecticut Power Companies Have to Offer?
If the above has not convinced you to switch your Connecticut electricity supplier, below you can find a comparison between the 2019 electricity rates of the two major Connecticut power companies and other competitive providers.
Eversource Energy Company (formerly CL&P)
Eversource transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in most of the state of Connecticut. As of January, the default 2019 electricity rate offered by Eversource is 10.14¢ / kWh (up 18.9 percent from last year). But a quick EnergizeCT℠ search for residential electricity offers in the Eversource – service territory shows the following CT electricity rate comparison:
United Illuminating Company (UI)
The United Illuminating Company (UI) servicing 324,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. In January 2019, UI was able to increase its default electricity rate in line with Eversource hike, to 11.20¢. Connecticuters, based in the UI territory who are interested in shopping around can find the following power rates on EnergizeCT℠:
How to Compare Electricity Rates in Connecticut
As residents of one of the 15 states with deregulated energy, Connecticuters should be enjoying convenience for cheap price – and yet they are strapped with the second-highest average electricity bills in the US. Only 25 percent of Connecticut residents switch providers and as a result, they are stuck with expensive default electricity rates. That shouldn’t be the case. Black Friday may be behind us, but the mindset of scouring for the best deal should stay with you all year.
If you live in Connecticut, you can compare the CT electricity rates on an official generation supply rate board called EnergizeCT℠ or by contacting the call center.
The process is very easy and only takes a few minutes:
- Open the Energizect website
- Choose the utility that services your residential area.
- Select if you are a Business or a Home
- Hit ‘Compare’ and gasp at how much you could be saving
You will get a list of competitive power rates offers and if you are ready to sign up, you can do it there and then. You can cross-check offers on our electricity rates comparison website as well. One thing is certain, there is no excuse to continue paying higher energy prices in Connecticut.
A beginner’s Guide to Energy Plans and Products
Energy plans are like shoes. One size does not fit all. Navigating through complex information about power rates can be confusing and can ultimately deter you from shopping for a better deal. Below is all you need to know about the different energy products that power companies offer to Connecticut residents:
| Plan | Description | What's Good? | What's Bad? |
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| Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) | By purchasing 1 REC, you purchase the environmental benefits of 1MWh of renewable energy generation. |
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| Green / Renewable Energy | On this plan, your supplier will match the energy you consume by buying an equal amount from renewable generators. |
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| Prepaid | This plan lets you pre-purchase power for your home at a set price, like a prepaid cell phone. |
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| Variable Rate | Your per-unit gas and electricity costs can vary at the discretion of your supplier. |
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| Fixed Rate | Your unit price for gas and electricity will remain the same for the duration of the plan. |
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Alternative Energy Sources in Connecticut
High electricity bills and environmental consciousness are two main reasons why some Connecticut residents are searching for alternative energy sources to keep their lights on, such as renewables. Although currently, renewable energy generation makes up less than 4% of the energy mix in Connecticut, the ambitious Connecticut Renewable Portfolio Standard sets this number on 23 percent to be achieved in 2020.
If you live in Connecticut, there are a number of ways that you can express your love for the planet:
 | Switch to a green electricity plan - Every provider in Connecticut offers at least one partially or fully renewable energy plan. Entering your zip code in the EnergizeCT℠ website will show the available green energy plans. |
 | Install a roof solar panel - If you are a homeowner, you can take advantage of the 30 percent federal investment tax credit and you start generating your own energy. |
 | Solar leasing - In this arrangement, you pay a flat rate to the third party that installs and maintains the panel for you while you are entitled to 100% of the generated energy. |
 | Renewable Energy Certificate - As described above, these are tradable certificates that renewable energy has been generated. This energy will be pumped into the grid to offset the energy that would otherwise be generated by fossil fuels. |
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the burning questions you might have about the energy in Connecticut.
What is the average electricity bill in Connecticut?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Connecticuters pay the second-highest monthly electricity bill at $153.46 average1, lower only to Hawaii that imports almost all their energy.
How much does electricity cost in Connecticut?
Below is an overview of how CT electricity prices compare to the U.S. average:
Electricity Connecticut US Average Period Industrial 13.41 ¢/kWh 7.44 ¢/kWh Aug-19 Commercial 16.73 ¢/kWh 11.00 ¢/kWh Aug-19 Residential 21.29 ¢/kWh 13.30 ¢/kWh Aug-19
Data source: eia.gov
Are the electricity rates going up in Connecticut?
Yes. Bracing for a tough winter, in January 2019 the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved a proposal submitted by Eversource and United Illuminating to raise electricity rates by 18.8 and 24 percent respectively.
How do I find out who my electricity supplier is?
You will find out who your provider is on your monthly bill. Alternatively, you can enter your zip code into EnergizeCT℠ and find out who services your area.
Where does Connecticut get its electricity?
The Connecticut energy generation mix is largely dominated by Nuclear (56%) and Natural Gas (41%), with negligible contributions of renewable and coal-based generation.
Data source: eia.gov
Connecticut might be the third smallest US state by land area, but the energy choices that Connecticuters have are not. Several large and small energy retailers compete for the attention of Connecticut residents with competitive energy rates. There are alternative energy choices, too – go renewable, for example with a solar panel. One thing is for certain, if your current plan is the default, shop around! You will almost definitely end up better off.
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