The three PURA commissioners released a 2-1 decision at the close of business Friday before the three-day Labor Day weekend that rejected a petition from the state Office of Consumer Counsel to reconsider its earlier rate increases for Eversource and Avangrid, the corporate parent of United Illuminating. PURA Chairwoman Marissa Gillett dissented as she did in April when PURA voted 2-1 to approve increases in the standard service rate and public benefit charges that sparked a public outcry after taking effect July 1. But Lamont appears more inclined to wait until 2025. He rebuffed House and Senate Republicans last month when the two minority caucuses appealed to the Democratic governor to recall the legislature in special session to approve short- and long-term reforms to better manage the cost of electricity. Democratic majority leaders also dismissed the GOP appeal. During a stopover Tuesday in Waterbury, Lamont confirmed he invited the four top Democratic and Republican leaders and the bipartisan leadership of the Energy and Technology Committee to meet with him today to discuss energy policy and electricity costs.
Outcry over high electric rates prompts meeting of state leaders