by Connecticut – Residents across Enfield, Somers and East Windsor may be facing a difficult winter as several utility providers move forward with proposals that could significantly increase household expenses. With electricity, water and gas companies all seeking or receiving approval for higher rates, many families are expressing concern about how they will manage the rising costs.
Residents Worried About Affording Winter Bills
For many in the area, the potential increases feel overwhelming. Monique Orton, an Enfield resident, said she worries about staying financially afloat if these hikes take effect.
“Are we going to make it? Are we going to make it through the winter?” she asked, noting she already struggles to keep up with basic utility costs.
Both Eversource and the Hazardville Water Company have rate adjustments under review, raising anxiety for households already dealing with tight budgets.
“You’re just struggling most of the time, so it’s going to be hard,” Orton added.
Eversource Proposes Higher Electricity Costs
Eversource, the region’s electric provider, is proposing an increase that would raise electricity prices from 11.19 cents per kWh to 12.64 cents per kWh compared to last winter.
That shift represents a 13% increase and could cost the average customer about $10 more per month, though the proposal must still be approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
According to the company, the rise is linked to spikes in wholesale energy prices driven by heating demand.
Brendan O’Brien, Eversource’s vice president of distribution rates and revenue requirements, explained that as more people heat their homes with natural gas, the limited supply pushes prices higher.
“As the demand for natural gas increases in the region, we also see increases in the wholesale energy prices,” O’Brien said.
He also emphasized that Eversource does not profit from this portion of the bill and urged customers to explore available assistance programs.
“Customers are always in the forefront of our mind, and we recognize that any bill increase can be challenging,” he said.
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Still, many customers say the timing couldn’t be worse.
“That does scare me a little bit because my bill is already extremely high,” said Francine Lateano of Somers.
Hazardville Water Company Requests a 72% Rate Increase
For residents of Enfield, Somers and East Windsor, another financial hit may follow. The Hazardville Water Company has proposed a 72% rate increase, which would add approximately $22 more to a customer’s quarterly bill if PURA approves the request.
In testimony submitted to PURA in August, the company cited several reasons for the steep increase, including:
- No rate adjustments for 16 years
- Significant increases in operating and maintenance expenses
- Higher labor costs
- Rising chemical treatment expenses due to updated state and federal regulations
Many residents say even modest increases would be difficult to absorb—let alone one of this scale.
“I’m glad that I have a well,” Lateano added.
Earlier Gas Rate Hikes Add to the Strain
These proposed increases come on the heels of already-approved gas rate adjustments. Yankee Gas received approval earlier this month to raise its rates, resulting in an average increase of around $15 per month for customers.
For people already budgeting tightly, these changes compound the pressure.
Utilities, however, argue that rising costs and infrastructure needs have left them with little choice. Meanwhile, residents like Orton say they are simply trying to cut back wherever possible.
“Spend less. Stay home. That’s all we can really do sadly,” she said.
A Challenging Winter Ahead
If all increases are approved, some households in these towns may face three separate utility rate hikes this winter—electricity, water and gas—heightening concerns for families living paycheck to paycheck.
For now, residents are waiting on PURA’s decisions while hoping for relief, assistance options or reconsideration from utility providers.
What Do You Think?
How will rising utility costs impact families this winter? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
