What Is The Average Electric Bill in Connecticut [2024 Updated]

As you can see from the above illustration, Connecticut residents pay way more than the nationwide average, and things are not going to be subdued in the future. According to CT Examiner, starting from July 1, Connecticut is going to see a significant increase in electric bills due to the rate hike approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).

The customers who are subscribed to Eversource and United Illuminating are going to see an increase of more than 12% to their monthly charges. The sudden hikes are because of government mandates such as energy assistance and the Millstone purchase agreement.

What Are The Electric Rates in Connecticut?

The electric rate is the total price the customers pay to the government or the utility companies for the electricity they consume. Typically, the electric rates are measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh), and it covers the overall cost of generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to residential buildings and businesses.

For instance, the residential electric rate in Connecticut is 26.00 ¢/kWh, the commercial rate is 19.43 ¢/kWh, and the industrial rate is 15.53 ¢/kWh. All of these charges reflect the costs associated with delivering electricity to consumers in this state.

Time of Use

Time of Use (TOU) rates are variable rates implied by utility providers, where customers are charged based on the time of day electricity is used. For instance, Eversource has multiple TOU plans, where they charge 17.327 ¢/kWh during the peak hours (noon—8 PM weekdays) and a reduced charge of 13.827 ¢/kWh during the off-peak hours (8 PM—noon, including weekends).

Electricity Providers in Connecticut

To determine the best electricity provider in your area in CT, you must understand different electricity providers, their rates, and how they differ.

For instance, Constellation provides a 6-month Home Power Plan at 9.29 ¢/kWh. Direct Energy's Live Brighter 6 plan has a rate of 11.09 ¢/kWh for a 6-month term. For longer commitments, Constellation offers a 12-month plan at 11.39 ¢/kWh, a 24-month plan at 11.59 ¢/kWh, and a 36-month one at 11.99 ¢/kWh.

Similarly, Think Energy provides a Think Simple 12 plan at 11.60 ¢/kWh for a 12-month term. It also provides a plan called Think Basic 6 at 8.86 ¢/kWh for a six-month commitment with no early termination fees.

Find the Best Rate in Connecticut

If you are planning to move to CT or even to switch to a different service provider, reviewing offers from different providers is recommended before making a long-term commitment. There are a couple of quick ways that help in determining the best rates that meet your electricity needs, like:

• Check Rates:Visit the electricity providers' official websites to learn their latest rates. For instance, based on the contract length, Constellation offers rates from 9.29 ¢/kWh to 11.99 ¢/kWh. Similarly, Think Again offers a wide range of rates from 8.86 ¢/kWh to 11.60 ¢/kWh.
• Contract Length:While reviewing and comparing the rates, look for the contract length. Some service providers offer a shorter contract but charge an early termination fee.
• Provider's Review:Before signing a long-term contract, check the online reviews from registered users to understand the after-sales support.
• Discounts & Offers:Most service providers provide a flat $100 cashback when you switch to their services. Similarly, look for ongoing discounts and offers that you can avail from different electricity providers in your area.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Connecticut?

With the current market trends, Connecticut has become the eighth-most expensive state to live in. With an overall monthly cost of living of $2495 (including house rent), Connecticut is 1.14 times more expensive than the national average.

Some of the most common utilities in CT are electricity, natural gas, water charges, Internet & cable TV, and sewer rates. All of these utilities contribute to Connecticut's cost of living index of 121.6.

Electricity Charges

According to the EIA, the residential electricity rate in CT is 26.00 ¢/kWh, which results in an average monthly bill of $186.16.

Water Charges

In CT, water costs vary by provider and area. For instance, Beechwood residents pay around $43.18 per month, while other areas near Soundview and Miami Beach might have flat rates or quarterly charges of approximately $65.06.

Natural Gas Charges

According to the EIA, the average residential price for natural gas in Connecticut is $16.25 per thousand cubic feet. Depending on your average usage for cooking and heating, the gas charges may vary between $40 and $80 per month.

Internet Charges

There are several notable Internet and cable TV providers in Connecticut. Some of the broadband plans range from $25 per month to $50 per month for a 100Mbps plan. Similarly, those interested in fiber connections can avail of special plans from providers at $25 per month for the first year with speeds up to 500Mbps.

Sewer Rates

Sewer charges depend on water usage and family dwellings. For instance, if your usage is of 5 CCF or less, then you will need to pay a minimum charge of $25.50 plus an $18 administration fee. If your charges exceed the five CCF mark, then you will be billed at $5.10 per CCF. On average, single-family residents typically pay $140.40 per quarter, while duplex residences pay $262.80 per quarter.

As you can see from the above table, different utility costs contribute to overall living expenses in Connecticut. Here are a few handy tips for lowering utility costs:

• Use water stripping or caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors.
• Start using programmable thermostats to adjust the energy when you are not at home.
• Try using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners that can help circulate air.
• Move towards solar energy, where you can use Jackery Solar Generators to charge and power household appliances.
• Try installing low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water.

Why Is My Electric Bill So High in Connecticut?

Electric bills in Connecticut are notably higher than in many other states. For instance, Oklahoma's monthly average electric bill is $135.14, and Virginia's bill is $166.26. Even with the high electricity rate of 24.51 ¢/kWh, the average electric bill in New York is around $145.09. The high electricity rates are driven by different factors, including high energy procurement costs, regulatory policies, etc.

Some of the prominent reasons behind the high electricity bills in CT are:

High Energy Rates

In the United States, Connecticut ranks among the 10 states with the highest share of electricity generated via nuclear power. In 2022, natural gas fueled 56% of its net electricity generation. Even though solar power provides 3% of net generation, Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country.

Government Mandates

Residents in Connecticut have seen rates increase due to several government mandates, most importantly the Millstone Purchase Agreement. Under this agreement, the utilities had to buy power at a higher price, directly influencing the electric rates and subsequent charges.

Geographical Location

Connecticut does not have any natural gas reserves or production. Most of its natural gas comes from the Appalachian region, Canada, the U.S. Gulf Coast, and the U.S. Mid-Continent region. The transportation cost of natural gas also influences the utility charges borne by the end customers.

Rate Hikes

Recently, PURA reportedly approved a more than 12% hike starting from July 1, 2024. This hiked rate will directly affect Eversource and United Illuminating customers. According to the official press release, the Eversource standard service rate will be 8.99 ¢/kWh, down from 14.71 ¢/kWh in the first half of 2024. Similarly, the United Illuminating service rate will be 11.91 ¢/kWh, down from 17.06 ¢/kWh in the first half of 2024. These changes in the electricity rates will also influence the monthly electricity bill.

Tips to Lower Electricity Bill in Connecticut

If your household is also suffering from the sudden hike in the electricity bills and is looking for easy ways to reduce the same, then check out the following tips that will help you lower the bills without sacrificing your monthly electricity consumption:

Use of Energy-Efficient Appliances

You can check out the highest electricity-consuming appliance at your home, and if it is an old model, try upgrading it to an energy-efficient one that uses less electricity or water. Once you start seeing some positive results, you can move on to upgrading all the other household appliances to more energy-efficient ones, typically the ones that come with an Energy Star label.

Upgrading to LED Lighting

If you are still using old incandescent light bulbs, it is highly recommended that you replace them with LED lights. Newer LED light bulb models can be operated using a mobile application, so you can turn them off remotely or monitor their daily usage.

Use of Solar Energy

Consider installing solar panels to harness renewable energy and reduce dependence on grid electricity. Once you have installed the full-fledged solar system at home, you can significantly lower electricity bills over time. If you do not wish to spend over $20,000 on solar panel installation, you can always go ahead with Jackery Solar Generators, which can charge up to 99% of your household appliances. With these solar generators, you can reduce your dependency on a power supply, which substantially reduces your overall electric bill.

Jackery Solar Generators For Lowering Your Electric Bills

Jackery is a global leading brand that manufactures highly efficient, portable, and powerful solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. Jackery Solar Generators technically refer to the combination of Jackery Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels that work in tandem to collect, convert, and supply electricity to household or outdoor appliances.

Jackery Solar Generators are powerful charging solutions that can charge small to heavy-duty appliances and reduce high electricity bills. You can charge air conditioners, refrigerators, or other large home appliances with solar generators and reduce the reliance on the electricity grid. Here are three powerful Jackery Solar Generators that are ideal for various usage scenarios.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

If you're looking for a reliable home backup solution that can charge 99% of household appliances and reduce high electricity bills, you may consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro. It supports heavy-duty appliances, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, space heaters, sump pumps, etc., to ensure your reliance on the electricity grid is reduced. The ergonomic design, aluminum alloy pull rod, and double wheels ensure you can easily move the solar generator from one place to another and power appliances.

Appliances Running Time

• Air Conditioner (1500W) = 1.7H
• Heater (1800W) = 1.4H
• Coffee Maker (900W) = 2.8H
• Refrigerator (800W) = 3.2H
• Electric Grill (900W) = 2.8H

Customer Review

"The 3000 pro is one of the best-designed & highest-wattage units available on the market today & provides the peace of mind that I need to ensure efficient functionality in my home during short or long-duration power outages." -- Ya.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The large and robust Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can charge 99% of household appliances during off-grid living and extended power outages. Its high output power ensures essential appliances such as refrigerators, lights, and CPAP machines remain functional. Charging some heavy-duty appliances with the solar generator during peak electricity hours will help you reduce your electricity bills.

Appliances Running Time

• Air Conditioner (1500W) = 1.1H
• Heater (1800W) = 57 minutes
• Coffee Maker (900W) = 1.9H
• Refrigerator (800W) = 2.1H
• Electric Grill (900W) = 1.9H

Customer Review

"Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergency situations, and I believe it will do the job." -- Julie Botsko.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

If you want a large-capacity charging solution that can take your off-grid experience to the next level, then the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) sounds like a reliable solution. It can charge most household appliances to reduce the load on the electricity grid and save money on high electricity bills. It also supports a smart app to control and monitor the battery status, input/output, etc.

Appliances Running Time

• Air Conditioner (1500W) = 2.3H
• Heater (1800W) = 1.9H
• Coffee Maker (900W) = 3.8H
• Refrigerator (800W) = 4.3H
• Electric Grill (900W) = 3.8H

Customer Review

"I picked up both the 4k kit and the 700 plus for the house and some travel. These items arrived very quickly, packaged VERY well, and had no damage. After turning them on and checking things out, I'm very impressed. Superb quality, and man, are they quiet! Overall, very happy." -- Travis Esquivel.

How Solar Helps to Save Electric Bills

Switching to solar energy offers numerous benefits for reducing electric bills. By harnessing sunlight to generate electricity, solar panels significantly decrease dependence on grid power, which leads to substantial savings.

There are several other benefits of using solar energy at home or in your commercial buildings, like:

Significant Cost Savings

Installing solar panels can drastically reduce or permanently eliminate monthly electricity bills. When one generates their own energy, they save on utility bills and ensure they can easily combat rising electricity prices.

Energy Independence

Solar energy allows you to produce your own power, which reduces your overall reliance on the electric grid. So, even if there are fluctuations in the electricity rates in the market, your average cost of living will not be affected. With a solar power system in place, you gain proper control over your energy costs.

Increased Property Value

Several property brokers report that homes equipped with solar panel systems see an increase in property value. Prospective buyers often pay a premium for a property with solar panels mounted on the roof or grounds. This makes solar panels a smart investment for those who plan to sell their property after a few years.

In Connecticut, the annual electricity consumption comes to around 11,316 kWh, so one needs at least an 8.6 kW solar panel system that can offset 100% of this consumption. Before-tax rebates or any federal incentive, a typical solar system costs around $27,000. By considering a 5.5% annual increase in electricity prices, you can save around $3,200 in the first year. But in the fifth year, you will be saving close to $17,900, and $41,200 in only ten years. If you stay at the same property for twenty years, you will save a staggering $111,600.

If you do not wish to spend a lump sum of $27,000 against a solar system and still wish to benefit from all the savings, then you can go ahead with Jackery Solar Generators. Other than being economical and sturdy, these solar generators have another major benefit over traditional solar systems -- you can not only use them to reduce your average electric bill in CT but can also carry them to outdoor locations and power your appliances when there is no grid power in sight.

Connecticut Average Electric Bill FAQs

What size of solar generator do I need for my house in Connecticut?

You can choose different solar generators per your budget and home appliances. However, the exact size of a solar generator depends on the duration for which you intend to use such a power source. For instance, if you are using Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to power an air conditioner (1000W) and a CPAP machine (60W) concurrently, then the total working hours can be calculated using the following formula:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances

Working Hours = 3024Wh * 0.85/1060W = 2.42H

Note: The total battery capacity here is multiplied by 0.85 to account for the power loss during initial charging.

What is the current Eversource rate in CT?

The current Eversource rate in Connecticut is 14.714 ¢/kWh. Eversource also provides time-of-use rates-- during the on-peak hours, electricity is charged at 17.32 ¢/kWh, and during the off-peak hours, customers can pay a reduced rate of 13.82 ¢/kWh.

What runs your electric bill up the most?

In most houses, high electricity consumption comes from heating and cooling systems, like air conditioners and space heaters. Some high-wattage appliances like vacuum cleaners or electric geysers also drive up the electric bill.

Who is the lowest energy supplier in CT?

The charges from the electricity provider vary as per the government policies. However, Constellation is among those service providers that offer the lowest energy rate in Connecticut, with a 6-month home power plan costing only 9.29 ¢/kWh.

Is electric heat expensive in CT?

Yes, electric heat can be expensive in Connecticut due to high electricity rates. If you use space heaters or electric blankets during the colder months, your utility bills can rise significantly.

Conclusion

With the booming economy and government policies, the average electric bill in CT has increased in the last decade. The electricity rate and monthly consumption will surely increase in the coming years. If you aim to reduce your average electric bill in Connecticut while maintaining a good lifestyle, you can always go ahead with Jackery Solar Generators. These portable units come with wheels and handles, which makes them ideal to carry around to outdoor locations and with high-capacity batteries, you can use these solar generators to power high-wattage appliances.