Connecticut Utilities Sue State Regulator Over Rate-Setting Process

HARTFORD, Conn. — Two of Connecticut‘s largest electric companies, Eversource and Avangrid, filed a lawsuit against the state’s top utility regulator on Jan. 31, 2025, alleging improper decision-making in the rate-setting process. The companies claim the chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is making unilateral decisions that should require a majority vote from the commission.

In the lawsuit, Eversource and Avangrid, which owns United Illuminating, argue that PURA Chairman Marissa Gillett has overstepped her authority. “Certain actors at PURA have undertaken a number of unlawful procedures that have the effect of reducing what the legislature intentionally designed as a multi-member agency to the province of one commissioner,” the lawsuit states.

PURA, which oversees utility services in Connecticut, responded with a statement calling the lawsuit a “clearly timed distraction.” The agency accused the utilities of attempting to undermine the renomination of commissioners who regulate them. “This lawsuit is an attempt to cast this as a due process issue only after repeatedly not getting their way,” PURA said.

The lawsuit comes amid ongoing tensions between the utilities and state regulators. PURA has implemented measures to increase transparency and accountability, including offering settlements and new engagement opportunities for utilities. However, Eversource and Avangrid have repeatedly appealed PURA decisions, leading to what the agency describes as a “well-funded public relations campaign” by the utilities.

Eversource declined to comment beyond the lawsuit, while Avangrid and PURA did not respond to requests for additional statements. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for Connecticut ratepayers, who have faced rising electricity costs in recent years.