Trumbull Legislator Lobbied Against Utility Hike
HARTFORD- State Rep. T.R. Rowe, R-Trumbull, applauded the state Department of Public Utility Control’s (DPUC) January 20 draft decision to deny a rate increase request from United Illuminating Company (UI). DPUC is expected to approve a final decision on February 4.
UI requested rate increase of $51.4 million on residential and commercial customers for 2009. By state law, DPUC must set rates that are sufficient to allow a utility to provide safe, adequate and reliable service and still give the companies an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return, or profit, on its investment.
In December 2008, Rep. Rowe sent a letter urging DPUC Chairman Donald Downes to reject UI’s request.
“I’m very pleased with the DPUC’s draft decision,” said Rep. Rowe. “In recent months, I received quite a few calls and letters from constituents regarding the proposed rate increase. Given the state of the economy, it’s clear that what amounts to a nine percent increase in UI rates would come at a terrible time for their families and businesses.”
