Eversource CT Rate Increase 2027: 18% Hike Filed — PURA Approves $861.4M Storm Cost Recovery

PURA Storm Cost Decision: $861.4M Final Approved (July 29)

PURA voted July 29, 2026 to approve approximately $861.4 million in final storm cost recovery for Connecticut Light and Power Company (Eversource) — down from the original $1.36 billion request but still significant. Key cuts included rejected interest on unapproved expenses, excessive food and lodging costs, and private jet charges. The decision allows Eversource to issue rate bonds to spread these costs over time. Note: The final approved amount was $861.4M (not the initially reported $667.8M).

Separately, Eversource has formally filed an 18% average rate increase (13% residential) for 2027 — this is a distinct proceeding from the storm cost decision. PURA's newly constituted 5-member panel (Chair John Wiehl, Vice Chair Frank Arconti — confirmed May 6, 2026) will issue the decision in spring 2027.

AG Tong has been particularly pointed in his opposition, accusing Eversource executives of timing the filing strategically — waiting until former PURA Chair Marissa Gillett resigned in October 2025 before proposing the rate hike. Tong has vowed to vigorously oppose the increase before PURA. Acadia Center — a nonprofit energy advocacy organization focused on equitable clean energy — has now been granted intervenor status in the case (Aug 14/17, 2026), adding significant technical expertise and advocacy weight to the fight against the rate increase.

Study: CT Customers Overpaid Utilities $1.8B Over 10 Years

A study released last month by Synapse Energy Economics (Cambridge, MA) found that Connecticut residential electric customers who were on standard service plans paid $1.8 billion more than they should have between 2016 and 2025 — an $11 per month premium on average throughout the entire review period.

The "premium" is the gap between what it costs Eversource and UI to procure the power and what customers actually paid. Synapse found that the median monthly retail price premium in Connecticut was 31% above the market cost of supply. In other words: while the average actual cost of electricity supply was approximately 10¢/kWh, standard service customers paid 13¢/kWh.

Synapse does work for governmental organizations as well as environmental and consumer groups. The study, commissioned by a CT advocacy organization, documents a systematic overcharge to Connecticut ratepayers — precisely as Eversource now seeks another 18% rate increase.

Source: Synapse Energy Economics via CT Insider (Aug 12, 2026), CT News Junkie (Aug 17, 2026)

Despite CT having the ONLY state-level electricity rate decrease (-7.3%) in the latest federal reporting period, Eversource is still seeking an 18% increase. Connecticut remains 3rd–4th most expensive in the United States, at roughly 46% above the US average of approximately 20.5¢/kWh.

Current Eversource Rates (July 2026)

Until any new rates take effect, Eversource customers in Connecticut pay the following supply rates — and this is the rate solar homeowners can lock in for 20–25 years:

Source: PURA rate sheets, ctenergyratings.com (Aug 4, 2026 — Eversource 11.940¢/kWh, effective Aug 1, 2026), WFSB (Jul 15, 2026), ctnewsjunkie (Aug 3, 2026). Eversource rate shown is the standard supply rate. Projected new rate is 18% residential increase to 11.940¢/kWh.

Bipartisan Opposition Is Growing

Connecticut officials from both parties are lining up against the increase:

• Attorney General William Tong has called the filing a "tone-deaf insult" and vowed to fight it before PURA
• State legislative leaders are publicly committed to limiting the hike, with bipartisan petitions urging PURA to reject the increase
• Consumer advocates argue Eversource's storm cost recovery should not be borne entirely by ratepayers

Whether PURA approves, rejects, or reduces the increase remains to be seen — but Connecticut families are facing the real possibility of a significantly higher electric bill starting July 2027 regardless of political pressure.

What This Means for Your Electric Bill

For a typical Connecticut household using 700 kWh per month:

• Current monthly bill (Eversource): ~$83.58 at 11.940¢/kWh
• After 18% residential increase: ~$95.63 — an extra $175 per year
• Over a 20-year solar loan term: That's $3,500+ in higher electricity costs you cannot control

How Solar Locks In Your Rate — Before the Hike Takes Effect

You cannot control what Eversource charges. Every storm, every regulatory approval, every bond issuance gets passed to you. But with solar, you lock in today's electricity prices for the life of your system — 20 to 25 years of rate certainty.

Connecticut homeowners who go solar today sign a long-term agreement at today's lower prices — not July 2027's higher prices. Key CT incentives currently active:

• HB05442 Property Tax Exemption (active July 1, 2026): Solar installations are exempt from added property taxes on the system's value — now law
• RRES Netting Credits: Full retail rate credit for excess solar production sent back to the grid
• CT Green Bank Smart-E Loans: 6.99–7.99% APR for solar, through CT Green Bank
• 6.35% Sales Tax Exemption: State sales tax waived on solar equipment
• Federal residential ITC: Expired January 1, 2026 — not available for new residential installations. CT state incentives remain active.

The math is increasingly clear: waiting means paying more. The $20/month increase is not a worst-case scenario — it's the filed figure under review by PURA right now.

Key Takeaways

• Eversource's 18% rate hike is formally filed, not speculative — PURA decision expected spring 2027
• AG Tong is actively opposing, calling it "tone-deaf" — but political opposition does not control PURA's decision
• PURA separately approved $861.4M in final storm cost recovery on July 29, 2026 — additional cost pressure on ratepayers
• Current Eversource rate of 11.940¢/kWh will almost certainly be higher in 2027 — the only question is by how much
• Solar locks in today's lower rate for 20–25 years, immune to future utility increases
• HB05442 property tax exemption (active July 1, 2026) makes going solar more affordable at closing

Disclaimer: Rate figures are based on PURA rate sheets and ctenergyratings.com (Aug 4, 2026 — Eversource standard supply rate 11.940¢/kWh, effective Aug 1, 2026) and ctnewsjunkie / CT Mirror reporting. The ~$15/month estimate is based on a typical residential customer using 700 kWh/month at an 18% increase to 11.940¢/kWh. Actual approved rates may differ. Solar savings depend on individual usage, roof orientation, system size, and utility territory. Consult a licensed Connecticut solar installer for a personalized assessment.