Candelora, Marra Say New Charging Station Plan for PURA Will Increase Electric Bills

HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) and State Rep. Tracy Marra (R-Darien), House Ranking Member of the Energy & Technology Committee, released the following statement Thursday in response to a proposed final decision from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on Docket No. 21-09-17:

“Connecticut ratepayers are once again being saddled with the cost of the California-style policy agenda embraced by Governor Lamont and legislative Democrats—this time, a plan to fund electric charging stations for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles through monthly electric bills.

Despite growing frustration over rising energy costs, the state’s regulatory authority—led by a chairman recently reappointed by the Governor—is quietly advancing this initiative, following policy mandates enacted by Governor Lamont and legislative Democrats. The cost will appear in the ‘public benefits’ section of monthly electric bills starting next year—yet another hidden charge passed on to families and businesses.

Even more troubling, this plan directly contradicts recent legislative efforts to protect ratepayers from the burden of policy-driven energy initiatives. Under S.B. 4 in 2025, the state committed to providing ratepayers relief from existing EV charging infrastructure by reducing program eligibility and through bonding. This new program abandons that approach and once again shifts the multi-million-dollar financial burden onto household budgets and will likely eat up any savings we may have achieved for ratepayers.

Bottom line: Connecticut still lacks a clear, coherent energy strategy. Decisions like this only deepen public distrust—and it’s hardworking residents who will be left to foot the bill.”