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MormonReformist t1_je5c8oy wrote

You can change suppliers easily. Here is the list and their promotion prices. I don't believe they are able to charge cancellation fees in CT.

https://energizect.com/rate-board/compare-energy-supplier-rates?

Also, I had a conversation with ChatGPT about this problem.

Prompt:

> Eversource is the primary energy supplier in Connecticut. As an economist, please explain why electricity prices so high in Connecticut.

Response:

> There are several factors that contribute to high electricity prices in Connecticut, and as an economist, I can explain some of the main reasons.

> 1. Limited Supply: Connecticut's electricity market is small compared to other states, and this has led to limited supply. As a result, the state must import electricity from neighboring states to meet its demand, which can be expensive due to transmission costs.

> 2. Cost of Fuel: Connecticut's electricity generation relies heavily on natural gas, which has been subject to price fluctuations in recent years. The cost of natural gas has been volatile, and this has contributed to the high electricity prices in Connecticut.

> 3. Investment in Clean Energy: Connecticut has been investing heavily in clean energy sources like wind and solar power. While these sources are important for reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment, they can be more expensive than traditional energy sources. This has contributed to higher electricity prices in the state.

> 4. Infrastructure Costs: Connecticut's aging electricity infrastructure requires significant investment to upgrade and maintain, and these costs are passed on to consumers through higher electricity prices.

> 5. Regulatory Costs: Connecticut has some of the most stringent regulatory requirements in the country, which can increase the costs of electricity generation and delivery.

> Overall, a combination of limited supply, high fuel costs, investment in clean energy, infrastructure costs, and regulatory costs contribute to the high electricity prices in Connecticut.

Prompt:

> As a policy maker, I am looking for ways to reduce the cost of electricity in Connecticut. What options do you recommend, as an economist?

Response:

> As an economist, I can recommend several options to reduce the cost of electricity in Connecticut:

> 1. Promote Energy Efficiency: Encouraging consumers to use energy-efficient appliances and technologies can significantly reduce their electricity bills. Policy makers can provide incentives for businesses and households to adopt energy-efficient practices and invest in technologies that reduce energy consumption.

> 2. Increase Competition: The state could consider promoting competition in the electricity market by allowing more suppliers to enter the market. More competition could lead to lower prices and better service for consumers.

> 3. Expand Renewable Energy Sources: Connecticut could expand its investment in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. While renewable energy sources can be more expensive to build and maintain, they can provide long-term cost savings by reducing the state's dependence on fossil fuels.

> 4. Address Infrastructure Issues: The state could invest in upgrading and modernizing its electricity infrastructure to reduce transmission costs and improve efficiency. This could involve replacing outdated equipment, improving transmission lines, and integrating smart grid technologies.

> 5. Review Regulatory Requirements: Connecticut could review its regulatory requirements and consider streamlining or reducing some of the requirements that add to the cost of electricity generation and delivery.

> Overall, a combination of policies that promote energy efficiency, competition, renewable energy sources, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory review could help reduce the cost of electricity in Connecticut.

Prompt:

> As a citizen, what can I do to encourage the adoption of these policies?

Response:

> As a citizen, there are several ways you can encourage the adoption of policies to reduce the cost of electricity in Connecticut:

> 1. Stay Informed: Stay informed about the issues related to electricity prices and policies in Connecticut. Follow news and updates from reliable sources, and stay up to date on policy proposals and developments.

> 2. Advocate: Contact your elected representatives and express your support for policies that promote energy efficiency, competition, renewable energy, and infrastructure improvements. You can also join local advocacy groups that promote these policies.

> 3. Make Energy-Efficient Choices: Make energy-efficient choices in your daily life by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and conserving energy whenever possible.

> 4. Invest in Renewable Energy: Consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for your home or business. By doing so, you can reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and support the development of renewable energy infrastructure in Connecticut.

> 5. Participate in Public Hearings and Comment Periods: Attend public hearings and comment periods related to electricity policies and make your voice heard. This can help policymakers understand the concerns and priorities of citizens when making decisions.

> Overall, as a citizen, you can play an important role in advocating for policies that reduce the cost of electricity in Connecticut. By staying informed, advocating, making energy-efficient choices, investing in renewable energy, and participating in public hearings and comment periods, you can help shape policies that benefit both the economy and the environment.

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bluethread32 t1_je5kvby wrote

Weird that Chat GPT didn't put forth the only correct answer...

Municipal Power.

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Catheater t1_je5mtbd wrote

Yup! Wallingford owns their electric company and offsets the cost with taxes. Stop privatizing energy and the cost goes down dramatically.

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usernamedunbeentaken t1_je5p13d wrote

But taxes go up.

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Big-Pond t1_je5s4yp wrote

And your bills go down enough to compensate

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Catheater t1_je5v73q wrote

Yes and we have some of the lower taxes for car and property in the state

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usernamedunbeentaken t1_je5zyu4 wrote

Yeah, that's my point. Build your own utility, your taxes go up to pay for that... but your utility bills go down. Basically a wash over the long term on a present value basis. Municipally owned power isn't a panacea.

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Catheater t1_je5p7eq wrote

I mean you can look up Wallingford taxes compared to your town and see if it’s a significant increase. I would rather reallocate where taxes are distributed but that’s just me.

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usernamedunbeentaken t1_je5snyc wrote

How long has Wallingford owned their utility. If they bought it in 1930 then it wouldn't be reflected in tax rates today. The maintenance and expenses would be presumably covered by utility bills.

The problem is if you take another town and suggest they embark on their own 'municipal power' program, then they would need to either build their own utility. The cost of which they would have to fund via taxes or via surcharges on utility bills going forward. Not apparent that such a situation would be cheaper for residents over the long run.

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