Connecticut residents face some of the highest electricity rates in the country. The average rate is 29.5 per kWh, which is the fourth-highest average rate in the U.S. The average electricity consumption per household is 7,794 kWh. This means the average monthly energy bill for a household is around $191.
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Table of Contents
- Connecticut Electricity Providers
- How to Compare Connecticut Electricity Rates
- Electricity Plan Options in Connecticut
- Basics of Energy Choice in Connecticut
- Connecticut Utilities with Energy Choice
- Reading Your Connecticut Electricity Bill
- Electricity Rates in Popular Connecticut Cities
- Business and Commercial Electricity Rates in Connecticut
Average Connecticut Electricity Costs
Connecticut residents are strapped with some of the highest electricity rates in the country. The average rate is 23.5¢ per kWh, which is the 6th highest average rate in the US. Average electricity consumption is lower than most other states at 711 kWh. However, even though Connecticut residents use less electricity, they still have the 2nd highest average electricity bill in the US at $161.55.
23.50¢
Average Rate per/kWh
711 kWh
Average Usage per month
$161.55
Average Cost per month
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE NATIONALLY?
6th Highest
Average Rate
36th Highest
Average Usage
2nd Highest
Average Cost
With energy costs this high, it's important for Connecticut residents to understand Energy Choice. This means customers have the ability to switch providers in order to get the lowest rates.
Connecticut Electricity Providers
There are many electricity providers to choose from in Connecticut. These companies range from smaller local companies to large national providers like Constellation, and Direct Energy. Before deciding on a plan, be sure to understand its terms and conditions.
| Plan | Rate Per kWh |
|---|---|
| Constellation 12 Month Home Power Plan 12 Months | 11.99¢ Select |
| Constellation 24 Month Home Power Plan 24 Months | 12.29¢ Select |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 16 16 Months | 12.59¢ Select |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 24 24 Months | 13.09¢ Select |
How to Compare Connecticut Electricity Rates
The suppliers and rates available in Connecticut can vary by your region as well as your specific plan needs. For that reason, no single plan or provider serves as the best option for every customer in Connecticut. Use our tool below or at the top of the page to find a list of options available in your area.
- Enter your ZIP Code This shows you the providers and plans available in your area.
- Compare electricity providers and plans Compare available plans and choose the rate, plan length and plan type that is right for you.
- Switch electricity providers Select your new rate, fill out the necessary information and make the switch.
It's important to grasp some of the concepts that make these plans different in order to understand these options and choose the most suitable plan.
Electricity Plan Options in Connecticut
There are several types of electricity plans to choose from in Connecticut. Some of the most common include fixed-rate and 100% renewable plans.
Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans
A fixed-rate plan locks in your electricity supply rate for the length of the plan. There are no unexpected rate hikes and your rate does not change because of market conditions. You usually save more money compared to variable-rate plans, which are available in other states. A 2015 ruling by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) banned variable-rate plans in Connecticut.
100% Renewable Plans
If you want to feel good about the energy you use, pick a 100% renewable energy electrical plan if one is available in your area. Plans marked with “100% Renewable Sources” source all energy from renewable resources such as solar and wind, reducing their impact on the environment.
Basics of Energy Choice in Connecticut
Before energy deregulation, the local energy utility handled all generation, transmission, and distribution in Connecticut. Because of the lack of competition, local utilities had a monopoly on the industry and were able to set energy rates as high as they liked.
Connecticut adopted legislation in May 1998 (PA 98-28) that allowed residents to choose their electricity provider. Under the act, PURA offers licenses to third-party suppliers in order to foster a more competitive and consumer-friendly market. As this market evolved, more protections have been put in place to ensure customers are treated fairly and have more robust choices.
Connecticut Utilities with Energy Choice
Connecticut’s electricity needs are served by two primary utility companies, and luckily, they both offer Energy Choice to their customers.
- United Illuminating serves the southwestern portion of Connecticut, including cities like Bridgeport, New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford.
- Eversource Energy serves the majority of Connecticut, including Hartford.
After switching energy suppliers, your utility provider will stay the same, so when the current plan runs out, you can compare rates again and switch to another supplier if needed.
Reading Your Connecticut Electricity Bill
A Connecticut electricity bill splits charges into two separate sections: delivery charges and electricity supply charges. Supply charges will change when you're switching electricity providers, but utility or delivery charges will remain the same.
Utility Delivery Charges
These charges mainly ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to your home. A local utility company and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority set these rates so they do not change based on the electricity provider.
Electricity Supply Charges
Electricity supply (aka, electricity generation) charges are the charges for the actual amount of electricity used. The electricity supply/generation rate is what you use when comparing electricity rates.
If you get your electricity supply through your local utility, you can use the "Price to Compare" when comparing electricity plans. This is also listed on your bill.
Electricity Rates in Popular Connecticut Cities
The specific cost of electricity can vary by region in Connecticut. Find out more about comparing the best electricity rates and companies in the following popular Connecticut cities:
Business and Commercial Electricity Rates in Connecticut
Businesses in Connecticut can save big with Energy Choice. ElectricityRates.com helps you do just that, with customized commercial rates, energy bill optimization and more. To get a customized quote, complete the quote request form on our business electricity rates page.
Once your information is received, ElectricityRates.com energy advisors will get in contact with you and negotiate with multiple providers to find the best rate. The best part? There's no obligation to you.
Connecticut Electricity Frequently Asked Questions
- How does Energy Choice in Connecticut work?
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Energy Choice allows businesses and residents in the state to switch electricity providers. It gives consumers more control over their electricity and can help them save money on their electricity bills.
When you switch electricity providers in Connecticut, your utility company still bills you and delivers electricity to your home.
- What is the average price of electricity in Connecticut?
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According to the EIA, the average cost of electricity for Connecticut residents is 29.5¢ per kilowatt-hour as of February 2024.
- Why is electricity so expensive in Connecticut?
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Connecticut’s electricity is expensive because it is hard to get natural gas to the area. This is mainly attributed to a resistance to build more pipelines. The good news is that CT residents may be able to save by switching electricity providers.
- Where does Connecticut's electricity come from?
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The breakdown for electricity generation by source for Connecticut is as follows:
- Natural Gas: 59.1%
- Nuclear: 35.9%
- Renewables: 2.8%
- Which utility providers service Connecticut customers?
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There are two primary utility providers in Connecticut.
– Eversource – Serves the majority of Connecticut, including the cities of Hartford, Stamford and Norwalk.
– United Illuminating (UI) – Serves towns in southern Connecticut, including the cities of Bridgeport and New Haven.