What are the charges listed on my electricity bill?
There are four categories on a monthly electric bill: supply, transmission, local delivery and public benefits. See this sample bill.
Supply charges
The amount you’re charged is the amount of electricity you use times the price of electricity.
You can choose your electricity supplier. The standard suppliers are Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). There are two dozen other suppliers.
- Compare all electricity suppliers on EnergizeCT
- Read the Office of Consumer Counsel’s guide for choosing a supplier (PDF)
- Get more supplier tips from PURA
If you select one of the other suppliers, you won’t pay some charges that Eversource and UI customers pay.
Eversource and UI supply rates change twice a year. This consumer alert explains their January 2025 rate changes (PDF).
These cities and towns have their own electric utility companies: Bozrah, Groton, Jewett City, Norwich, South Norwalk, and Wallingford. They buy electricity in bulk for their community.
Transmission
Customers who have a third-party supplier pay transmission charges. The charges pay for building, maintaining, and operating the electric system. That includes power plants, substations, and interstate power lines. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates interstate charges.
Local delivery
Customers who have a third-party supplier pay local delivery charges. These charges pay for delivering electricity to you through Eversource or UI. The amount you’re charged is based on how much electricity you use. The charges include:
- Customer service: Pays for meter reading, billing, and customer service.
- Electric system improvements: Eversource charges this fee to pay for improving its distribution system.
- Distribution charge: Covers the costs of local poles, wires, and more.
- Competitive transition assessment (CTA): Eversource charges this to pay some long-term power contracts from the 1980s and 1990s.
Public benefits
Customers who have a third-party supplier pay public benefits charges. These charges pay for federal and state energy programs that:
- Help people pay for electricity when they’re laid off, have a medical issue, or face other challenges
- Support energy efficiency programs
- Buy renewable and carbon-free electricity
- Fund solar power and electric vehicle (EV) incentives
We encourage you to take advantage of money-saving opportunities that apply to you! Visit EnergizeCT to learn more.