Berlin, Conn./WTIC Radio - Connecticut's largest utility is seeking a rate increase that, if approved, could hike the average customer bill by $38 a month.
Officials at Eversource give a number of reasons for the proposed increase that, if approved, would take effect beginning in the spring.
For one, it says "unpaid customer balances going back multiple years during the COVID-19 pandemic" have driven up costs.
In addition, the company says policy changes adopted by the state legislature have led to price incresases.
The proposed increase would be subject to approval of PURA, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
The increase would be in the "Public Benefits" portion of customers electric bills.
State Senator Norm Needleman, co-chair of the legislature's Energy and Technology Committee, says "Eversource makes record profits year after year and yet the ratepayers always have to pay more".
The utility is proposing a phase-in of any increases to prevent what it calls "rate shock" beginning May 1.