NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The average home could see up to a $56 decrease in its Eversource electric bill starting in July, according to an announcement Wednesday from the company.

Eversource filed a new Standard Service rate with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, stating that the rate for residential customers will change from 24.17 cents per kWh to 13.82 cents.

That rate remains higher than last summer, when it was set at 12.19 cents per kWh. Eversource attributes the year-over-year increase to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and global demand.

In January, an increase in rates hiked the average bill by $80 a month.

“Eversource does not earn a profit on the cost of electricity,” the company said in a written statement. “The company only charges customers what it pays generators for producing the power and there is no markup.”

Eversource has also filed to change the delivery charge from $0.11751 cents per kWh to $0.14107 per kWh, which would be an increase of $16 to the average customer. Eversource said the increase is due to the expiration of a $12 bill credit that went into effect in January. Overall, it said the average home using 700 kWh each month would still see a 22%, or $56 decrease.

“The volatility in the energy markets has hit our customers hard in the last year, so we’re pleased to let our customers know about the new rate that will provide some relief in energy prices this summer,” Steve Sullivan, Eversource’s president of electric operations, said the written announcement “It’s important to remember though, on average, Connecticut customers use 35% more electricity during the summer months with air conditioners, fans and other appliances working overtime to keep things cool inside. That’s why we continue to urge everyone to take advantage now of the many energy efficiency and payment programs that we offer – before the hot weather arrives.”

Eversource files to change rates twice annually, with the rates going into effect on Jan. 1 and July 1 of each year. It warned in its Wednesday announcement that rates will likely increase again starting next year.

“The energy market and international factors continue to affect the cost of natural gas and those impacts are still being felt by our Connecticut customers,” Sullivan said in the announcement. “This is a good time to think about your energy usage and plan for the likely increases we’ll still experience. We’ll continue to let customers know about trends in prices so they have the best information available and can make the best decisions for their energy usage and costs.”

Customers were eager for a break in their bills.

“It could go towards food, or even a little bit toward going on a weekend a little bit longer, on a weekend vacation maybe,” said Jean Kozlowski, a Berlin resident. “Get out a little bit more,”

Others said it won’t make much of a difference. 

“Fifty-six dollars, I guess I could put that in my gas tank but it’s not that great of a help,” said Lamar Terrell of Meriden. “But, I mean, you try to take whatever you can.”

Eversource provided the following tips for how to keep energy usage low this summer:

• Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity.  
• Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs. 
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening when there is also less demand on the electric system.
• Keep blinds closed when it’s hot out to prevent unwanted heat from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR-certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

The video below aired in our 10 p.m. newscast on May 17, 2023.