Press Releases
04/24/2020
Attorney General Tong Urges PURA to Consider Equity and Fairness in Energy Investments
(Hartford, CT) – In comments filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, the Office of the Attorney General urged regulators to consider questions of equity and fairness in energy infrastructure investments as our state and nation face unprecedented economic upheaval from the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The comments, which were filed in a proceeding considering further implementation of smart meters in Connecticut, urge PURA to scrutinize both the costs and benefits to all consumers in how the technology is used and paid for.
“We need modern energy infrastructure to accelerate clean energy deployment and combat climate change. That is without doubt. We can make sure each investment is deployed in a way that ensures both the benefits and costs are shared fairly by all consumers. There is no reason we cannot fight climate change and protect consumers at the same time,” said Attorney General Tong.
The comments urge PURA to consider whether new smart meters offer “clear demonstrable value not only to utilities, but to the ratepayers,” and, if so “whether that value will be fairly shared by all ratepayers.” Further, the comments ask PURA to consider whether time of use rates are necessary to realize the benefits of further smart meter deployment, and if so, how time of use rates could be implemented equitably. Finally, the comments urge PURA to require utilities to consider additional cybersecurity measures related to smart meter deployment to protect consumers.
Assistant Attorneys General Lauren Bidra, John Wright and Consumer Protection Department Head Michael Wertheimer are assisting the Attorney General in this matter.
- Twitter: @AGWilliamTong
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Media Contact:
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
Consumer Inquiries:
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attorney.general@ct.gov