Senate passes electric supplier disclosure, advocates say not good enough

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Senate voted unanimously Tuesday for legislation to require more transparency from third-party electricity suppliers and reduce deceptive marketing tactics in the industry.

Senators on both sides of the aisle reported hearing complaints from constituents about the suppliers, who attract new customers with offers of low energy rates that can expire quickly and leave consumers paying more than standard rates.

The bill will require suppliers to maintain their initial sign-on electric rates for at least three months. It also requires that electric bills include the standard rate, so consumers can compare it with the rate they’re paying. The legislation also gives customers greater flexibility to drop their electric supplier.

Energy Committee Co-Chairman Sen. Bob Duff said policymakers have “heard from consumers loud and clear” on their electric bills.

“They kind of looked at their bill one day . . . and it spiked without any notification or any type of transparency,” he said. “What we’re looking to do is bring about some greater transparency and disclosure.”

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