Connecticut's Electricity Rates: Standard Tariff Explained

what is standard rate for electricity connecticut

Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, with an average residential rate of 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour as of April 2025, which is 55.9% higher than the national average. The state's average monthly electricity bill is $176.10, almost $60 more than the national average. Connecticut's electricity market is deregulated, allowing consumers to choose their electricity supplier and compare rates and plans to find competitive offers that could substantially reduce their electricity costs. The standard service rate for electricity in Connecticut is provided by two major utility companies, Eversource Energy and United Illuminating (UI), and the rates change on January 1 and July 1 each year.

Characteristics Values
Average Connecticut electricity rate 29.87 cents per kWh
Average national rate 16.15 cents per kWh
Cheapest electricity rate in Connecticut 16.34 cents per kWh
Highest Connecticut electricity rate 34.51 cents per kWh
Average residential electricity price in Connecticut 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour
Average national rate of electricity 11.89 cents per kilowatt-hour
Average monthly electricity bill in Connecticut $176.10
Average monthly electricity bill nationally $117.37
Average standard service rate for Eversource Energy 8.99 cents per kWh
Average standard service rate for United Illuminating 13.57 cents per kWh
Transmission charges for Eversource Rate 1 4.433 cents per kWh
Transmission charges for UI Transmission Rate R 4.3359 cents per kWh
Annual rate change date for Eversource and United Illuminating January 1 and July 1

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Connecticut's standard electricity rate

Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country. As of April 2025, the average residential electricity price in the state was 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the national average of 11.89 cents. Connecticut's electricity rates are 55.9% higher than the national average, which significantly impacts both residential and business consumers.

The standard electricity service in Connecticut is provided by two major utility companies: Eversource Energy and United Illuminating (UI). Eversource Energy serves approximately 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, while United Illuminating serves about 335,000 customers in 17 towns and cities in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. These companies maintain the electrical grid, respond to power outages, deliver electricity, and provide "standard service" rates for customers who don't choose an alternative supplier.

The rates for standard service change on January 1 and July 1 each year. As of July 1, 2024, Eversource Energy introduced a new standard service rate of 8.99 cents per kWh. United Illuminating's rate for standard service as of May 2025 is 4.3359 cents per kWh.

Connecticut has a deregulated electricity market, which means that residents and businesses can shop around and compare energy plans to find more affordable options. They can choose to purchase electricity from a retail electric supplier or a third-party supplier, many of whom sell electricity at rates below the Standard Service rate. By comparing rates and choosing a competitive supplier, consumers can substantially reduce their electricity costs.

Additionally, Connecticut has set ambitious goals through its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), aiming for 40% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040. This drive for renewable energy increases the availability of green energy plans for consumers.

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Comparing electricity rates

Connecticut residents face some of the highest electricity rates in the US. As of April 2025, the average residential electricity price in Connecticut was 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), compared to the national average of 11.89 cents. This is a 55.9% difference.

Connecticut's deregulated market means that consumers can choose their electricity supplier. By comparing rates and plans, consumers can find competitive offers that could substantially reduce their electricity costs.

Fixed-rate plans

Fixed-rate plans provide price stability. However, be aware of extremely low introductory rates that increase dramatically after a short period.

Renewable plans

Connecticut has made significant strides in promoting renewable energy, offering residents more green options than ever before. Renewable plans support clean energy.

Variable plans

Variable plans can be a good option if you are able to be thoughtful about when you run certain appliances. For example, you can wait for off-peak times when cheap electricity is available.

Solar power

Solar panel systems can help you save money by reducing your monthly electric bills. Even if your solar system offsets 100% of your electricity use, your utility company will still send you a bill. However, it may be for $0 or even negative if your electricity supply to the grid is more than you pull.

Choosing a supplier

When choosing a supplier, watch out for pressure to sign up immediately without reviewing terms and a lack of clear information about rates and fees. All suppliers listed on ElectricityRates.com are licensed by PURA and adhere to strict consumer protection guidelines.

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Choosing an electricity supplier

Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, with an average residential rate of 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour as of April 2025. This is almost 60% higher than the national average. As such, it is important for residents to understand how to choose an electricity supplier and leverage the Energy Choice program to secure potential savings.

Connecticut is primarily served by two major utility companies: Eversource Energy and United Illuminating (UI). Eversource Energy serves approximately 1.2 million electricity customers in 149 of the state's 169 cities and towns, while United Illuminating serves about 335,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas. These utility companies maintain the electrical grid, respond to power outages, and deliver electricity to all customers in their service areas. However, you are not limited to choosing one of these two companies as your electricity supplier.

Connecticut's deregulated market allows consumers to choose their electricity supplier, just as they would with any other product or service. This has opened up competition among energy suppliers, driving down prices and allowing residents to shop around for electricity. Residents can compare electric rates and select the cheapest supplier through state-run organizations like Energize CT, or through other platforms like ElectricityRates.com and PowerSetter.

When choosing an electricity supplier, it is important to consider not only the affordability of energy rates but also the plan's renewable energy allocation, especially as Connecticut has set ambitious goals for increasing its renewable energy sources. Be sure to compare all charges and fees to find the supplier with the best overall rates, and watch out for red flags such as extremely low introductory rates that increase dramatically after a short period, pressure to sign up immediately, and unsolicited door-to-door sales tactics.

In addition to choosing a competitive supplier, there are other ways to reduce your electricity costs. These include implementing energy efficiency measures, understanding your usage patterns, and installing solar panels or a solar battery to reduce the amount of electricity you pull from the grid when rates are high.

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Average electricity bill costs

The average monthly electric bill for residential customers in Connecticut is $298, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption of 936 kWh by the average electric rate of 32 ¢/kWh. Connecticut's average residential rate of 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour as of April 2025 is 55.9% higher than the national average. This significant difference makes understanding and leveraging the Energy Choice program crucial for potential savings.

The standard service rate for electricity in Connecticut is provided by your electric distribution company (Eversource Energy or United Illuminating), which will be charged to you unless you opt to purchase your electricity from a retail electric supplier. Eversource Energy's new standard service rate is 8.99 cents per kWh from July 1, 2024, while United Illuminating's rate is 13.57 cents per kWh.

There are two ways to reduce your electricity bills: by using less electricity or by reducing the cost of electricity. For example, you could install solar panels to generate your own electricity, or wait for off-peak times when cheap electricity is available. Solar panel systems can help you save money by reducing your monthly electric bills. By installing a solar system, you can break even on your investment in 8.83 years in Connecticut, after which you may not owe anything on your electric bills.

Connecticut's electric bills, both residential and commercial, are higher than the national averages. As of June 2024, the residential electricity rate in Connecticut was 26.00 ¢/kWh, which comes to an average monthly bill of $186.16 based on an average consumption of 716 kWh. This marked a noticeable decrease from the 31.82 ¢/kWh rate in June 2023, reflecting a 5.82 cents reduction in residential rates over the past year.

The monthly average electric bill for commercial properties in Connecticut is $2181, which is 34.38% higher than the national average. The industrial sector sees even more significant differences, with Connecticut's average monthly industrial electric bill being $49,500, far exceeding the national average of $38,925.

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Reducing your electricity bill

As of April 2025, Connecticut has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, with an average residential electricity price of 32.28 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the national average of 11.89 cents. This has resulted in Connecticut's average monthly electricity bill being almost $60 more than the national average.

There are several ways to reduce your electricity bill, which can be broadly categorized into two methods: using less electricity or reducing the cost of electricity. Here are some strategies to reduce your electricity bill:

  • Choose a competitive supplier: Connecticut has a deregulated market, which means you can choose your electricity supplier. By comparing rates and plans on websites like ElectricityRates.com, you can find competitive offers that could substantially lower your electricity costs. Additionally, consider choosing a third-party supplier, as many of them sell electricity at rates below the Standard Service rate.
  • Implement energy-efficient measures: You can reduce your electricity usage by adopting energy-efficient practices. This includes being mindful of when you run certain appliances and waiting for off-peak times when cheaper electricity is available. You can also invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting, such as LED bulbs, which consume less electricity.
  • Explore renewable energy sources: Consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels. While there may be installation costs, you won't have to pay for the solar energy you use. Even if you don't produce enough solar energy to power your entire property, combining it with regular energy sources can still result in significant savings. Additionally, you can install a solar battery to store excess energy produced by your solar panels, allowing you to use that energy during times of high electricity rates.
  • Apply for energy assistance programs: If you are a low-income household, you may be eligible for energy bill assistance programs. Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulation Authority (PURA) offers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides federally funded assistance to help with energy bills, prevent shutoffs, and more. Additionally, your utility company may offer programs or payment plans to help with past-due balances.
  • Monitor your energy usage: Regularly review your energy usage patterns to identify areas where you can reduce consumption. Conduct energy audits to understand your usage better and make informed decisions about choosing the right supplier and plan.
  • Stay informed about legislation: Keep yourself updated with the latest legislation and proposals that aim to reduce electricity costs. For example, lawmakers in Connecticut have recently proposed a bill to remove the controversial public benefits charge from electricity bills, which could save residents up to $55 per month.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively reduce your electricity bill and manage your energy costs in Connecticut.

Frequently asked questions

The standard rate for electricity in Connecticut depends on your utility company and energy plan. The two major utility companies in Connecticut are Eversource Energy and United Illuminating (UI). Eversource Energy's standard service rate as of July 1, 2024, is 8.99 cents per kWh. UI's standard service rate for Rate R was 13.57 cents per kWh as of January 2025.

You can find out your electricity rate by looking at your bill or contacting your utility company. The rate is typically based on the current market price of electricity and can vary depending on your location and plan.

Standard service rates in Connecticut change every January 1st and July 1st.

The average electricity rate in Connecticut is around 29.87 to 32 cents per kWh as of 2025. This is significantly higher than the national average, which is around 11.89 to 16.15 cents per kWh.

You can reduce your electricity bill by choosing a competitive supplier, implementing energy efficiency measures, understanding your usage patterns, and taking advantage of Connecticut's deregulated market to shop around for a better rate. Additionally, you can consider installing solar panels or a solar battery to reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your costs.

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