Conn. electric ratepayers urged to shop around

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — As electricity rates fall in Connecticut, officials are encouraging consumers to take advantage and shop around for the best price.

Service rates offered by Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating are falling slightly due to changes that were approved recently by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and take effect on Jan. 1.

Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz says consumers can choose from many competing providers of electric generation services and should take a close look at the terms of their current service before renewing contracts.

Attorney General George Jepsen says it is a good time to compare generation service providers. But he also cautioned consumers about terms and conditions that may be imposed by alternative generation suppliers who advertise a lower short-term rate.