Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Praises Final DPUC Decision Slashing SCG Rates 3.2 Percent
July 17, 2009
The final decision will reduce SCG's rates $12.4 million.
Blumenthal opposed SCG's original request for a $34.2 million, or 9.2 percent increase, calling instead on DUPC to reduce the company's rates. Blumenthal argued that SCG's rates should fall because the company's petition showed that its natural gas costs have plummeted and it overstated costs for salaries, payroll and retirement.
"I am pleased that DPUC heeded my request to slash SCG's bills 3.2 percent, providing consumers with the rate relief they need and deserve," Blumenthal said. "The company's own petition undermined its original outrageous and outlandish rate hike request, showing lower natural gas costs and exaggerated salary, payroll and retirement expenses. This decision rightly requires SCG to tighten its belt, just as its customers must in the midst of the current economic morass. This major victory for consumers and businesses sends a powerful message: profiteering during recession will not be tolerated. Utility rates must reflect real costs and economic conditions.
"I will continue fighting for fair, equitable and affordable utility rates for consumers and businesses."
Last October, at Blumenthal's urging, the DPUC ordered a temporary interim rate decrease of $15 million for SCG. Blumenthal fought in this proceeding to make that rate decrease permanent, and the DPUC's decision today does just that, providing much needed rate relief for consumers.
The DPUC similarly rejected a Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) rate increase and instead slashed rates 4.2 percent last month.