Blumenthal Calls on Eversource to Disclose Reasoning Behind Increased Terminations of Service

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) wrote to Eversource Energy President James Judge to demand an explanation for a rate of electrical service terminations that has nearly doubled in the last two years. Connecticut regulations authorize a utility to terminate electrical service when an account is more than 33 days delinquent. The regulations also exempt from termination households in which the income falls below 300% of the poverty level, is derived from Social Security or public assistance, or where the household includes persons with serious illness, disability, or children.

“Electricity service is a critical, often vital, service for Connecticut residents. It is extremely important that families and residents are not needlessly harmed by a company’s attempt to reduce its accounts receivables,” wrote Blumenthal. “In your response, please explain the steps you take to ensure that these protected households are not subject to termination of service.”

The full text of Blumenthal’s letter to Judge is available for download here, and copied below.

Dear Mr. Judge:

I am writing to express my serious and grave concerns about the dramatic increase in electricity shut-offs by Eversource. Based on information that you provided to my office, the number of delinquent accounts that were subject to shut-offs rose from 29,000 in 2015 to 41,000 in 2016 to 52,000 in 2017. Please provide a detailed explanation for this rapid rise. 

Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies section 16-3-100 authorizes a utility to terminate electrical service when an account is more than 33 days delinquent. The regulations also exempt a number of households from termination including where the household’s income falls below 300% of poverty or is derived from social security or public assistance or where the household includes persons with serious illness, disability or children. In your response, please explain the steps you take to ensure that these protected households are not subject to termination of service. 

Electricity service is a critical, often vital, service for Connecticut residents. It is extremely important that families and residents are not needlessly harmed by a company’s attempt to reduce its accounts receivables.

Please provide this information by close of business, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Thank you for your attention.