Thousands of Connecticut Ratepayers Sign Petition Opposing CNG & SCG Rate Increase Request

AARP Connecticut submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) the names of more than 2,700 Connecticut residents who signed a petition that opposes a combined rate increase proposal by the Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG).

The requested rate increases include fixed costs and higher distribution rates that would impact the monthly bills of Connecticut residential customers before they even touch their thermostats. Conservation measures will have no impact on these costs.

Under the proposed rate application, CNG has requested an 18.1% increase to the fixed charges of residential heating customers and a 9% increase to distribution rate. SCG has requested a 35.9% increase in the fixed charges of residential heating customers and an 18.9% increase to the distribution rate.

CNG proposes a revenue increase of $19.8 million, or approximately 4.3% of total revenues. SCG proposes a revenue increase of $40.6 million, or approximately 9.0% of total revenues. Depending upon where a customer is located, the proposed increase would add between $20.08 and $40.15 on a quarterly basis to the typical residential gas bill.

In addition to the petition signed by ratepayers, in November AARP Connecticut submitted public testimony urging PURA to deny the proposed rate increases by CNG and SCG, which would make the essential service be unaffordable for many older adults.

The petition signed by thousands of Connecticut residents follows:

Ask PURA to Reject the CNG & SCG Rate Increases!
Utility rates are an essential pocketbook issue for Connecticut residents, many of whom The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is considering a proposal by the Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas Company (SCG) that will raise rates before you even adjust your thermostats.

We (the undersigned) urge the PURA to reject the proposal by the Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas Company that raises rates before you even adjust your thermostat.