Brace for Impact: Eversource CT Electricity Rates Set to Climb in January 2026

Why Are Electricity Rates Rising?

The primary driver behind the winter rate increase is the volatile wholesale energy market, specifically the reliance on natural gas in the New England region.

• Increased Demand & Supply Constraints: As winter approaches, demand for natural gas rises dramatically, as it is used for both home heating and to fuel most of New England’s electricity generation. This increased winter demand, combined with limited regional natural gas pipeline capacity and storage, creates supply constraints that drive up wholesale prices.
• Regulatory Process: The Standard Service rate is determined through a prescribed regulatory process overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Eversource procures power through competitive auctions, and the resulting costs are passed directly to Standard Service customers. The winter rates typically run from January 1 through June 30.

Resources to Manage and Pay Your Bill

For customers who may find the rising costs difficult to manage, a variety of federal, state, and utility programs are available to help.

State and Federal Assistance Programs

• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): This federally funded program helps income-eligible households pay for their winter heating bills. Customers must apply annually through their local Community Action Agency (CAA).
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) / Fuel Assistance: A federal program that assists with heating and cooling costs, as well as energy crisis assistance. Eligibility is income-based.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Provides home improvements to make a dwelling more energy-efficient, lowering long-term energy costs.

Eversource and State-Mandated Programs

• Eversource Matching Payment Program (MPP): Designed to help income-eligible customers with past-due balances. The program matches customer payments and energy assistance awards to help pay down arrearages and provides year-round shut-off protection.
• Low-Income Discount Rate: Eligible customers may receive a monthly discount on their electric bills. Contact Eversource to determine eligibility and apply.
• Winter Protection Plan: Customers with financial hardship or medical protection are protected from shut-off between November 1 and May 1. Enrollment requires submitting updated documentation.
• Flexible Payment Arrangements: All customers can work with Eversource to establish flexible payment plans to manage and pay off past-due balances over a period, often up to 18 months.
• Call 211: For general support and social services, including utility assistance, residents can call 211 in Connecticut.

Leveraging Connecticut’s Home Energy Solutions for Long-Term Savings

Connecticut residents have access to robust state-sponsored energy efficiency programs that offer the most comprehensive way to reduce long-term energy use and costs. The primary resource is the Home Energy Solutions (HES) program, offered through the state’s utilities (Eversource and UI) and managed by Energize CT. For a small co-pay, a certified technician performs an in-depth energy assessment, identifies areas of wasted energy, and installs immediate, on-the-spot energy-saving measures. The technician also provides a customized report with recommendations and outlines available rebates for larger upgrades like insulation and heating systems. Income-eligible customers may qualify for the Home Energy Solutions—Income Eligible program, which provides all of these services at no direct cost.

How to Compare Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan

Connecticut consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to avoid Eversource’s Price to Compare fluctuations:

1. Explore the Energize CT Website: The Energize CT website offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Connecticut, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Connecticut residents have some of the highest electricity rates in the country Don’t wait until your bill arrives! If you anticipate difficulty paying your electric bill, contact Eversource or your local Community Action Agency today to explore the assistance programs available to you.