The utility rates and services we benefit from require oversight and regulation. This ensures that we are able to pay affordable costs for the safe and reliable delivery of energy, water and telecommunications. In Connecticut, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is responsible for these areas.
What Does PURA Do?
PURA regulates the rates and services for the following utility categories:
- electricity
- natural gas
- water
- telecommunications
- cable
In CT, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is part the energy division of DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection). Formed in 2011, DEEP's mission unites the ideals of environmental protection, utility control and energy policy.
Companies who provide utility products and services also have a right to a reasonable return on their investments. Besides protecting the public's right to reasonable and fair energy and utility costs, PURA also works to maintain equitable energy rates and fair market competition standards for service providers.
COVID-19 Utility Payment Plans
Due to the pandemic, Connecticut has mandated that utility companies offer payment plans for customers with missed payments or those suffering from financial hardships. More specific details are provided by individual service providers.
The contact information for Connecticut utility companies can be found below.
| Eversource and Yankee (Electricity) | 1-800-286-2828 |
| Eversource and Yankee (Gas) | 1-800-438-2278 |
| UI | 1-800-722-3034 |
| Southern Connecticut Gas | 1-800-659-8299 |
| Connecticut Water | 1-800-286-5700 |
| Aquarian Water Company | 1-800-732-9678 |
| Heritage Village Water | 1-800-286-5700 |
| Avon Water | 1-800-286-5700 |
| Valley Water Systems | 1-800-747-8000 |
| Jewitt City Water | 1-800-430-8073 |
| Hazardville Water | 1-860-763-7420 |
| Torrington Water | 1-860-489-4149 |
Electricity in Connecticut
PURA oversees the services and rates for both of Connecticut's electricity distributors (EDC's or Electric Distribution Companies):
- The United Illuminating Company (UI)
- The Connecticut Light and Power Company (DBA Eversource)
Areas of PURA's regulation include:
- wholesale electricity procurement
- providing adequate, safe and reliable electricity
- changes such as distribution rates
- administering reliable power contracts
- administering utility poles
- incident response procedures
- emergency performance
- managing vegetation
- consumer education and outreach
PURA is also responsible for overseeing renewable energy, renewable portolio standards, registering electric aggregators and licensing electric suppliers (including third parties, apart from local utility service providers).
Gas in Connecticut
Gas rates in CT are approved by PURA. In Connecticut, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority regulates three gas utilities companies in Connecticut.
1. Eversource (previously known as Yankee Gas services)
2. Southern Connecticut Gas Company
3. Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation
These gas companies each own and operate their own underground natural gas distribution system (i.e. network of underground services and mains) for delivering natural gas to businesses and homes within their area.
Besides rates, PURA also oversees gas regulation issues such as:
- service cost
- rate design
- revenue requirements
- gas supply
- gas demand increases
- gas price volatility
- transportation services
- pipeline capacity constraints into CT
- liquid natural gas (LNG) cost and availability
- affiliate transactions
Natural gas is deregulated in CT. Currently, industrial and commercial customers can choose
- a gas marketer
- a regulated utility service provider to purchase gas from
These purchase options only apply to the industrial and commercial sectors, not residential customers.