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Progressive Action Roundtable: A forum for progressive groups in the Greater New Haven Area where actions and ideas may be publicized so that others are aware of peace, health, justice, energy, environmental and other issues for the common good.

Posts Tagged CL&P

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit, Allows DPUC To Levy Tax On UI And CL&P Customers

Dec 29

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Fight the Hike | No Comments

— Paula Panzarella, Fight the Hike

On Dec. 20, Sen.-elect Joe Markley of Southington and Paula Panzarella of Fight the Hike presented arguments before Superior Court Judge Henry Cohn in New Britain to be allowed to contest charges on electric bills that are in effect a new tax. Markley began his lawsuit in October, and named the Competitive Transition Assessment (CTA)/ Economic Recovery Revenue Bonds (ERRB) charge “the sneaky tax,” as most people do not realize that any new taxes have been levied by the 2010 state legislature.

This was the second time Markley and Panzarella were before the judge, ready to argue motions for the tax to be rescinded. The first motion heard was the State’s to have the case dismissed. Judge Cohn decided in the State’s favor. If the case were to have continued, the judge would have then heard the motion to allow Panzarella, representing Fight the Hike, to officially intervene as a plaintiff. At this time Markley is the sole plaintiff. After Jan. 1, he will decide how he will further pursue having this tax removed.

In other Fight the Hike news, energy legislation similar to last year’s will again be presented to the legislature. In 2010, the bill that Fight the Hike worked on was approved by the entire legislature and then vetoed by Gov. Rell.   Fight the Hike will again meet with legislators to get the bill passed. Connecticut still has the highest electric rates in the continental United States. For questions and ideas or to join on to the Fight the Hike e-group list, please call (203) 562-2798 or e-mail paulapanzarella@yahoo.com.

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We Got The Legislature, Governor And Electric Company Blues

Aug 31

Posted by Progressive Action Roundtable in Fight the Hike | No Comments

by Paula Panzarella, Fight the Hike

Last session, the Legislature voted in favor of a bill that would have helped lower electric rates, promote renewable energy and call for corporate accountability of the electric companies. This was path-breaking legislation that Fight the Hike supporters throughout the state helped get passed. However, the Governor vetoed it, and there was no attempt to override the veto.

And now, we are in a worse situation. In order to balance the budget, a special tax will be added to the electric bills that will go to the state, unless we fight it. The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has to hear from us!

The Competitive Transition Assessment (CTA) charge is scheduled to end in Dec. 2010 for CL&P customers and Dec. 2013 for UI customers. The budget that was approved will keep CTA charges on and the money will go to the state.

Excerpts from Office of Consumer Counsel’s statement:

The legislature is balancing the state budget for this fiscal year (July 2010 – June 2011) by adding a special charge to most electric bills across the state. CL&P and UI will be required to put this charge on customer bills for the next several years, even though it has nothing whatever to do with the electric services these companies provide. This new charge is nothing more than a state budget tax.

The new charge continues an electric bill item called the “CTA”, which otherwise would have expired soon. Instead of granting CL&P and UI customers at least some of the rate relief which has been expected, the legislature is helping keep rates high for these customers.

Fight the Hike is calling on everyone to oppose this new tax on ratepayers. Contact the DPUC and let them know they should NOT allow this to be imposed on our utility bill. When you contact them, please refer to DPUC Docket No. 10-06-20.

Public hearings are scheduled for:

  • Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Hearing Room G-2 in the Mitchell Hall of Records, 200 Orange St., New Haven
  • Sept. 14, 7 p.m., the Brass City Room, 2nd Floor, in the Sovereign Bank, 24 Leavenworth St., Waterbury.

You can also call the DPUC at 1-800-382-4586, e-mail: dpuc.executivesecretary@po.state.ct.us,  or write:

State of CT Department of Public Utility Control
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT  06051

For information about Fight the Hike, call (203) 562-2798 or e-mail paulapanzarella@yahoo.com.

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