OUR ADVOCACY
Our goal is to make sure everyone in Connecticut has access to affordable, safe, and reliable energy.
Generation Power CT began actively engaging with PURA in 2019 (previously as Operation Fuel). This was in response to a troubling trend. In 2014, Connecticut’s utility companies shut off electricity for about 40,000 households. By 2018, that number doubled to roughly 80,000 households. We joined stakeholders to examine this challenge more closely.
In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges for limited-income residents, we expanded our policy work. We teamed up with other advocates to help protect vulnerable communities from the worst effects of the crisis.
Since then, we’ve continued to push for changes that make energy more affordable and accessible, including:
- Championing the Low-Income Discount Rate for utility bills
- Promoting accessible and affordable payment plans for customers struggling to pay
- Improving access to medical protections
- Working with utility companies to better communicate available assistance programs
- Expanding solar energy access for moderate-income households
JOIN US WITH EASE
The Equity, Accessibility, and Stakeholder Engagement (EASE) is part of a PURA’s effort to make it easier for the public to be involved in important energy-related decisions. This is a great opportunity for CT residents to come together and voice their concerns about their utilities. PURA is especially seeking participation from limited-income households who are experiencing a high energy burden.
DOCKETS WE FOLLOW
Docket No. 24-09-07 Equity, Accessibility, and Stakeholder Engagement (EASE)
In January 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) initiated a proceeding to encourage CT residents and diverse ratepayers to join their proceedings. PURA is especially interested in improving opportunities for limited-income residential customers, those who experience high energy burden, and those impacted by PURA’s decisions to share their experiences with policymakers. The investigation asks:
- How can PURA make stakeholder participation and engagement in dockets easier, more meaningful, and more efficient?
- What constraints or obstacles currently limit effective participation and engagement?
- What information can PURA provide to help consumers understand regulated services?
- What accessibility tools, such as translation, should be prioritized by PURA and the public service companies?
The Authority expects to issue a final decision in September 2025. Want to learn more? Email our Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, Mike Turaj at mike@gpct.org.
Docket No. 24-05-01 Annual Review of Affordability Programs and Offerings (Energy Affordability Annual Review)
On November 6, 2024, PURA issued a final decision which describes how you can potentially qualify for affordablility programs and essential protections. Some of these include how oil-heating customers can now qualify for the new Matching Payment Plan and customers earning less than 75% State Median Income can be protected against wage garnishment. To learn more, watch our video:
I’m a senior citizen living on SSI. With the cost of everything escalating, I’m extremely happy to have found [GPCT]. They made it easy for me to send pictures of the documents I needed to qualify. D.W. – A client from Danbury