Is most of the CT public benefits charge always tied to Millstone deal?

It’s not accurate to say most of the public benefit charge on Connecticut residents’ utility bills is tied to the Millstone Nuclear Power Station deal. The Millstone portion is closely tied to the price of natural gas, which fluctuates often.

Under a state contract, utilities must buy 50% of Millstone’s output at a fixed price through 2029. The cost of that electricity is passed along to customers as an additional charge, or in some cases a credit, depending on the market rate for wholesale power.

But the public benefits charge also covers the costs of energy efficiency programs, renewable energy initiatives and programs to help low-income or struggling customers pay their electric bills.

These costs are also affected by external factors, meaning an increase or decrease in the Millstone portion can be offset by another portion of the costs that make up the public benefits charge year after year.