Most of you are aware that electric rates effectively doubled starting in January. Ouch! But, did you know that there is a way that you can relieve that cost? 

First, it is important to understand your bill: the two components of the rate and what you can control. So let’s take a closer look at the bill (example above). On the right hand side of your bill, under “Current Charges for Electricity” there is a “Supply” charge and a “Delivery” charge. While you cannot change who delivers your electricity – Eversource or United Illuminating – you CAN change who supplies it and switching your supplier is EASY! 

Secondly, it is important to know that electricity supply rates are set twice a year – on July 1st and January 1st. Providers are “estimating” what their costs will be when they set rates and there can be wide variability based on a number of factors. To learn more about this check out the recent presentation at Westport Public Library, Energy Rates, that was led by Representatives Steinberg, Hughes and Senator Maher.

90% of Eversource customers are currently on standard service for supply and as of January 1, 2023 that rate increased from 12.050c/kWh to 24.172c/kWh!  Alternate suppliers offer rates ranging from 10.67c/kWh (Town Square Energy) to 15.99c/kWh (Constellation) depending on contract details. 

In December of 2021 I changed my electric supplier from Eversource to Constellation NewEnergy and signed a 19 month contract. I just renewed my contract with Constellation which will roll over starting in May. Constellation’s current rate is 15.99c/kWh for a 36 month contract (compared to 27.17c/kWh with Eversource). It is important to note that there are a variety of options offered from alternate suppliers including the number of billing cycles and cancellation policies – read the details of the contract you sign!  But, with a little time and attention it is definitely worth checking the rates every 6 months (as rates do vary from winter to summer) to get the best rate you can for the supply charge.

Here’s how to Start:

1. Go to www.EnergizeCT.com
2. Click on the Rate Board tab and then click on “Compare Energy Supplier Rates”
3. Select Eversource residential or United Illuminating Residential and click Search and Compare
4. The first offer will be Eversource or UI Standard offer, followed by the other offers in order of lowest to highest. Review the offers and select the one that best meets your needs. Click on Enroll Now.