Republican Nominee for Governor Calls on Connecticut Residents to Speak Out Before PURA
WATERBURY, CT — Senator Ryan Fazio, Republican nominee for Governor, today expressed deep concern and disappointment over reports that Eversource is expected to file yet another electric rate increase with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in the coming days, rumored to be approximately 11 percent.
Fazio, joined by Connecticut residents impacted by soaring utility costs, said the expected increase is further evidence that Governor Ned Lamont has failed to address Connecticut’s affordability crisis despite having eight years to do so.
“I want to begin by thanking Daren Thornberg and the team at Dasco Welded Products for hosting us today,” said Fazio. “Daren isn’t speaking today because he’s doing what thousands of Connecticut business owners are doing, working hard to keep the lights on, keep the doors open, and keep people employed. That’s exactly the problem. Small businesses and working families shouldn’t have to spend their days worrying about whether they can afford their next electric bill.”
Fazio also welcomed remarks from Waterbury small business owner Dawn Maiorano of Maiorano Funeral Home, who spoke about the growing challenges facing Connecticut’s small businesses as energy costs continue to rise.
“Running a small business has never been easy. But today, it’s becoming nearly impossible—not because we aren’t working hard enough, but because the cost of doing business keeps climbing. Here in Waterbury, we already pay some of the highest property taxes in Connecticut. Then, on top of that, we’re hit with Eversource rate increases and new fees. Small business owners have done our part. Now it’s time that the state does theirs,” said Maiorano.
“An 11% rate increase after eight years of Governor Lamont’s leadership is disastrous for working families,” Fazio continued. “The Governor recently released an advertisement claiming he’s holding the utilities accountable. How exactly is he holding them accountable? By creating a system where utilities continue to raise rates, shift costs onto ratepayers, and charge families and businesses for programs and services they don’t even use.”
“Connecticut families cannot continue living like this. Every month, they’re forced to make impossible choices. Today it’s deciding between paying the electric bill or paying the property tax bill. Tomorrow it will be choosing between keeping the heat on or buying groceries. Seniors on fixed incomes shouldn’t have to decide between paying their electric bill or paying for lifesaving medication. This has to stop.”
“I have released a comprehensive energy plan that will reduce energy bills immediately for families, with about 20% reduction in rates permanently. After eight years of failure under the Lamont administration, my plan and candidacy present a real alternative for affordability.”
Fazio urged Connecticut residents to participate in the upcoming PURA proceedings by submitting written testimony, attending public hearings, and contacting their elected officials.
“I encourage every resident to submit testimony to PURA, attend the public hearings, and let your legislators know exactly how these rate hikes are affecting your family. The more voices they hear, the harder it becomes to ignore the crisis.”
Fazio said the stories shared by Connecticut residents demonstrate the devastating human cost of the state’s affordability crisis.
“As a mother of two, the rising cost of living is an immense pressure on my family. The prices of groceries, utilities, insurance, and property taxes continue to rise.” — Robin Belzo, New Britain
“As a working-class single mother in East Lyme, I have seen firsthand how our state has become increasingly unaffordable, with financially unsustainable utility rates that are pushing hardworking people like myself to their breaking point.” — Candice Carlson, East Lyme
“My electricity and utilities were chief among the suite of reasons I decided to downsize and move. The affordability crisis in our state is real and is being put into hyperdrive by Governor Ned Lamont. I’m voting for Ryan Fazio because he represents real change, and with him as Governor, my children can have a future in Connecticut.” — Rachel Taylor, Darien
“I am 72 years old. I have lived in Connecticut all my life. I own my own home. I have lived in it for 38 years. I am retired. My annual income is $28,000 a year. We know that we do not have enough money to pay the extreme increases in Eversource bills.” — Patty Hichborn, Terryville
“Electricity is a basic necessity of daily life for retirees. The high cost of electricity in our state forces Deep River residents to choose between paying their electric bill or purchasing more groceries. Many of our elderly residents cannot afford to keep their air conditioning on in the sweltering summer heat due to high electric rates. Please help us.” — Kathryn Russell, Deep River
Fazio concluded by pledging that, if elected Governor, reducing Connecticut’s electricity costs and restoring affordability will be among his administration’s highest priorities.
“Connecticut has every opportunity to be a state where families thrive, businesses grow, and seniors can retire with dignity,” Fazio said. “Instead, our current leadership has allowed utility costs to spiral out of control. Connecticut deserves better, and together we can build a state where people no longer have to choose between keeping the lights on and making ends meet.”