In 2015, the Connecticut Light & Power Company increased electricity rates for many residential customers. This rate increase was associated the fact that Connecticut Light & Power purchases its electricity from auctions that are regulated by the state. The prices at these auctions are affected by many different factors like season or weather.

As a result, many customers saw their electricity rates rise around 25%!

Alternatives to Utilities

Electric choice is an option available to many businesses and residents living all over the United States. While electric choice isn’t currently available within all states, it is available in Connecticut. If the “electric choice” moniker doesn’t ring a bell, then maybe you’ve heard of it being called energy or electricity deregulation.

Energy deregulation is a government regulation (and term) that allows energy consumers to have electric choice. It’s a process by which utilities are required to allow entities known as “retail electricity suppliers” to enter the market space.  Instead of a utility carrying all of the responsibility in offering, supplying, and billing for electric services (such as transmission, delivery, supply, maintenance and customer support, etc.) elements of the business are handed off to these entities known as suppliers.

Natural Gas Choice

Some states also have natural gas choice for consumers. Connecticut is also one of these states, however, options are currently extremely limited for most consumers.

Electricity Suppliers/Providers

Electricity suppliers are given the opportunity to sell energy supply related services to business and residential consumers. They are encouraged to keep their rates low and reasonable. The main reason for this is because in a deregulated market, if a consumer is not happy with their services, it is very easy of them to switch to different suppliers.  Through competition, it’s in the best interest of these organizations to offer incentives and deals so that they can retain and attract customers.

In Connecticut, a supplier can open for business at any time. There is no cap on how many electricity providers can offer services in the state (some states/areas restrict competition).  Overall, this helps to generate a competitive market that also incentives these companies to treat consumers fairly.

Connecticut Electricity Rates

In 2020, the average residential electricity rate remained fairly high:

Connecticut Jan: 19.86  Feb: 20.68 Mar: 20.84 Apr: 21.15 May: 21.63 Jun: 20.96 Jul: 9.78 Aug: 18.76 Sept: 18.97 Oct: 19.95 – – Average: 20.25

As did the average commercial electricity rate:

Connecticut Jan: 15.34 Feb: 16.14 Mar: 16.11 Apr: 15.72 May: 15.86 Jun: 16.01 Jul: 15.53 Aug: 15.36 Sept: 15.61 Oct: 15.93 – – Average: 15.76

However, these rates, based on reports from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), don’t include the average savings a consumer can earn from participating in electric choice.

Electricity suppliers don’t purchase electricity in the same way that a utility does. This means that consumers that take advantage of switching to an electricity provider can often save between 5-25% on current supply charges (on a fixed-rate contract).

Making the Switch in Connecticut

Switching to an electric supplier in Connecticut is quite simple.  Consumers can shop on ElectricChoice.com to compare local Connecticut electric rates and plans.   Once you’re ready to sign up, you can complete the process online or call us at 800-974-3020.  And rest assured, there are no disruptions in service when switching providers.

Electricity Supplier Options in Connecticut

There are numerous providers available in Connecticut, including:

  • 3Degrees Group, Inc.
  • Agera Energy, LLC
  • Ambit Northeast
  • Bluerock Energy, Inc.
  • First Point Power, LLC
  • Green Mountain Energy
  • Independence Energy Group LLC
  • Mint Energy, LLC
  • Palmco Power CT, LLC
  • Public Power, LLC
  • Town Square Energy, LLC

A complete list of active electricity suppliers can be found on the Public Utility Commission of Connecticut’s website.

Before committing to any of electricity supplier, it’s important to research and compare plans to ensure that they really do provide the best rates for required services. These companies typically require a signed contract in order to begin providing services. Signing for unnecessary products or services that aren’t as cost effective as they appear will only help to increase an energy bill.  Make sure to read the electricity facts label associated with any plan, as well.

Utilities in Connecticut

While suppliers can handle supply related services in Connecticut, utilities are still needed to provide delivery, transmission and maintenance.  The fees associated to these elements of the electricity business continue to appear on electric bills/invoices as before.

Deregulated Cities in Connecticut

With a population of 125,017 (2013), Hartford is the capitol. One of the oldest cities in the United States, this area is a major business center within the state. Residents and businesses  of Hartford can take advantage of electric choice as the city has a deregulated energy market.

In addition to Hartford, there are many other cities in Connecticut the also provide consumers with the ability to choose their electricity provider. Some of these cities include:

  • Canton
  • Stamford
  • Bridgeport
  • Bristol
  • Danbury
  • Greenwich
  • New Britain
  • Plainville
  • Fairfield
  • Rocky Hill
  • Stratford
  • Hamden
  • Simsbury
  • Milford
  • Westport
  • New Britain
  • New Haven
  • Middletown
  • Litchfield
  • Norwalk Stamford
  • Waterbury
  • Branford
  • West Hartford
  • Manchester
  • Windsor

While Connecticut is deregulated, in some areas some suppliers may only offer electric choice to businesses, while others only offer residential services.  Ultimately, if you have questions regarding energy deregulation and shopping for electricity in Connecticut, please don’t hesitate to contact us.