September 29, 2024
We've been talking to voters across the district, at their doors and on their phones. It's clear that our community is facing a real problem with energy costs.
That's why we developed our Connecticut Energy Cost Reduction Plan. It's directly informed by what we've heard from you, and it’s designed to relieve the burden on you and your families when you’re paying your bills each month.
People in Connecticut tell me they thought we had better safeguards. They thought someone was supposed to be making sure that we wouldn’t be blindsided by cost increases. But here we are, with families struggling to balance enjoying life with keeping the lights on. That's not acceptable.
And it’s not just individuals feeling the squeeze. Small businesses are struggling with these unpredictable costs that make planning a nightmare. This isn’t just inconvenient; it's unsustainable.
While putting together this plan, it became even clearer with every headline—our current energy policies do not meet the needs of our community. They’re failing us. And our families and our businesses are paying the price.
The 2017-2019 Millstone Agreement was a Republican-led bipartisan effort to keep the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant in operation. We need leaders capable of navigating complex agreements to secure deals that genuinely benefit our state.
I am prepared to lead these discussions and ensure our energy agreements are both fair and advantageous for Connecticut residents.
Here’s what we need to do:
Cap Energy Costs Through Fair Agreements
Advocate for caps on energy costs by ensuring state-negotiated electricity contracts are limited to reasonable rates—no more than 150% above competitive market prices. This will prevent overpaying for electricity sourced through specific state contracts, protecting families and businesses from inflated costs. Connecticut must move beyond agreements like the Millstone Agreement by securing deals that are truly advantageous for our residents.Lobby for Federal Support and Funding
It’s time to start lobbying the federal government for increased support and funding for Connecticut’s energy sector, particularly targeting grants from programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and CHIPS Act. Currently, the Northeast is underserved by these federal initiatives, receiving little funding for energy transition programs. We will advocate for a greater focus on reducing energy prices, given that Connecticut has some of the highest rates in the nation.Incentivize a Competitive Energy Market
Encourage a competitive energy market by advocating for a comprehensive energy strategy that includes all available energy sources. This involves treating all zero-carbon energy sources—like wind, solar, hydropower, and nuclear—equally, ensuring fair treatment and efficient allocation of subsidies. Streamlining regulatory processes and supporting infrastructure development will further enhance competition, reduce costs, and provide reliable 24/7 energy solutions for the future.Hold Utilities and Regulators Accountable
Implement stronger oversight and accountability measures for utility companies to ensure fair pricing and service. This includes monitoring utility practices, scrutinizing rate increases, and demanding transparency in their cost structures. We will push for utility companies to justify their pricing strategies and align them with the best interests of Connecticut residents and businesses, avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on our community. And we have to hold regulators accountable as well. These hikes could have been prevented had the regulators denied the request to extend the moratorium over ten months.Embrace Regional Cooperation to Strengthen Negotiation Power
Connecticut is stronger when we stand with our neighbors. By forming a regional coalition with neighboring states we can negotiate better energy contracts and secure deals that benefit all our residents. We need leaders who can navigate complex agreements and advocate for Connecticut’s interests. With my background in business and negotiation, I am ready to lead these discussions.