Connecticut Electricity Information
Connecticut has a fully deregulated electricity market, giving residents and businesses the ability to choose their electricity supplier. Utilities like Eversource and United Illuminating still manage delivery and grid reliability, but the supply portion of the bill is open to competition. Customers can shop among dozens of competitive energy suppliers for fixed-rate plans, renewable energy options, or promotional deals, while their local utility remains responsible for safe and reliable service. This system gives households and businesses flexibility and control over their electricity costs while fostering competition and innovation in the state’s energy market.
How to Choose an Electric Supplier
Connecticut has a “deregulated” energy market, which gives you the power to choose who generates your electricity. This can be confusing, but understanding your bill can help you save money.
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Supply vs. Delivery: Your electric bill is split into two main parts.
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Delivery: This is the cost for maintaining the poles and wires. You cannot choose this provider (it will always be Eversource or UI based on where you live).
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Supply: This is the cost of the actual electricity you use. This is the portion you can shop for to find a lower rate.
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Standard Service: If you do not choose a third-party supplier, you are automatically enrolled in the “Standard Service” rate. This rate changes every January 1st and July 1st.
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Compare Rates: You can compare third-party supplier rates against the Standard Service rate at the official state website: EnergizeCT.com.
Tip: When choosing a supplier, always check for “early termination fees” or “variable rates” that might spike after a promotional period.
Connecticut Electricity Generation and Consumption
Connecticut’s electricity is primarily generated from natural gas, which dominates the state’s power mix by a wide margin. Nuclear energy also plays a significant role, providing steady, carbon-free electricity, while renewables like solar and hydropower continue to grow. The state is also investing in offshore wind to further diversify its energy sources.
Electricity consumption in Connecticut is moderate, but prices are among the highest in the country due to transmission costs and reliance on imported fuels. On the bright side, the state has lower emissions than many others, thanks to its strong nuclear presence and clean energy initiatives. With continued investments in renewables and energy efficiency, Connecticut is working toward a greener and more affordable energy future.
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Ranks 35th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 27.24¢ /kWh
Ranks 49th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $180.81
Ranks 49th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
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Renewable Electricity Generation
2.2% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Connecticut
Connecticut’s electricity consumption reflects a New England climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winter demand rises for lighting and electric heat in homes that use heat pumps or resistance heat, although many households rely on natural gas or oil for primary heating. Summer usage climbs during heat waves as air conditioning becomes essential, especially in coastal and urban areas. A dense population, a sizable commercial sector, and widespread efficiency programs shape the overall profile, keeping per-capita use moderate while seasonal peaks remain pronounced.
Municipal Utilities in Connecticut
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Connecticut offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Connecticut, 6 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Connecticut
The rest of Connecticut receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Connecticut Natural Gas Information
Connecticut relies heavily on natural gas for both heating and power generation, a sharper shift compared with many Northeastern neighbors that still depend on heating oil. Cold winters push demand up as households use gas for space and water heating, while hot, humid summers drive power plants to burn more gas to cover air-conditioning loads. Since the state has no in-state production, nearly all natural gas is delivered via interstate pipelines, making reliability and storage just as critical as cost.
For households, the market is regulated and utilities such as Eversource Gas, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas purchase and deliver fuel. The picture changes for businesses, where commercial and industrial customers can choose their supplier. This limited deregulation gives larger energy users more flexibility to manage costs and contracts, while residential customers remain tied to their utility’s supply. The result is a system designed to balance affordability and reliability through sharp seasonal swings, with natural gas serving as both a household heating essential and a backbone for the grid.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Connecticut
Many of the residents of Connecticut receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
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Connecticut Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Connecticut
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Connecticut have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Connecticut homes online and in the loop:
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Utility Costs in Connecticut
The average monthly total utility bills in Connecticut is $335.92, which is 21.2% higher than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Connecticut
If you are struggling to pay your energy or water bills, Connecticut offers several state-sponsored and non-profit programs designed to keep your services running. There are also specific protections available for vulnerable populations, including seniors, veterans, and students.
State & Non-Profit Assistance Programs
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Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): This federally funded program helps low-income households pay for their primary heating source, whether it is natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, or wood. Benefits are available to both homeowners and renters.
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Operation Fuel: If you do not qualify for CEAP or have exhausted your benefits, Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy assistance. This non-profit helps households with incomes up to 75% of the State Median Income pay for electricity, gas, oil, or water bills.
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Winter Protection Program: From November 1 to May 1, eligible households with a “hardship” status are protected by law from utility shut-offs. You must contact your utility company to apply for this protection. Note that you are still responsible for the bill, but your service cannot be disconnected during these months.
Utility Company Hardship Programs
Most major utility companies in Connecticut offer arrearage forgiveness (debt reduction) and matching payment plans. These programs can often match every dollar you pay to reduce your past-due balance.
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Eversource Customers: Offers the “New Start” forgiveness program and a Matching Payment Program.
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United Illuminating (UI), SCG, and CNG Customers: Offers the “MaPP” (Matching Payment Program) and the Bill Forgiveness Program.
Resources for Special Groups
For Seniors
Seniors (aged 60+) are frequently eligible for the programs listed above. Many towns in Connecticut allow you to apply for CEAP and Operation Fuel directly through your local Senior Center or Municipal Social Services office, where staff can assist you with the paperwork in person.
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Tip: Call your town’s Senior Center to ask for an intake appointment for energy assistance.
For Veterans
In addition to standard programs, wartime veterans may qualify for temporary financial aid through the state-administered fund specifically for service members.
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Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Marines’ Fund: This agency provides temporary assistance to veterans and their families for essential needs, including utility bills.
For Students
While there is no specific state-wide utility fund exclusively for students, you may still qualify for assistance:
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Independent Students: If you live off-campus and are financially independent, you may qualify for CEAP or Operation Fuel based on your own income level.
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University Grants: Many Connecticut colleges and universities (such as UConn and CSU campuses) have “Student Emergency Funds” managed by their Financial Aid or Dean of Students office. These small grants can sometimes be used to pay overdue utility bills to prevent disconnection.
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Tip: Contact your school’s Financial Aid office specifically to ask about Emergency Grant Aid.
Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide
Money-Saving Efficiency Programs
The Energize CT initiative offers several rebates and services to help residents lower their usage and bills.
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Home Energy Solutions (HES): This is a popular program where a certified technician visits your home to seal air leaks, check insulation, and install energy-saving upgrades (like LED bulbs and water-saving showerheads) on the spot.
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Cost: There is a co-pay (typically $75), but it is often waived for income-eligible households. The average home sees about $180 in annual energy savings after a visit.
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Smart Thermostats: Most utilities offer instant rebates (often up to $85) if you purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat.
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HVAC & Insulation: Significant rebates are available for upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps, natural gas boilers, or adding insulation to your attic or walls.
Water Utility Assistance & Conservation
While energy bills often get the most attention, water costs can also be a burden. Connecticut’s major water companies offer specific programs to help.
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Aquarion Water Company:
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LIRAP (Low Income Rate Assistance Program): Eligible customers can receive a 15% discount on their monthly bills.
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Voucher Program: One-time grants (ranging from $50 to $250) are available for customers facing temporary hardship.
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Connecticut Water:
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H2O – Help 2 Our Customers: A program that offers payment plans and financial assistance.
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WRAP (Water Rate Assistance Program): Provides a bill reduction (typically 15%) for income-eligible households.
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Regional Water Authority (RWA): Partners with the Dollar Energy Fund to provide hardship grants of up to $175 to prevent shut-offs.
Low-Cost Internet Options
With the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), many residents are looking for affordable internet alternatives. Several providers in Connecticut offer specific low-income tiers:
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Xfinity Internet Essentials: Provides high-speed internet for eligible households (typically those receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or NSLP) for $9.95/month or $29.95/month depending on speed.
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Frontier Lifeline: Offers a monthly discount on fiber internet services for qualifying low-income residents.
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Optimum Advantage Internet: Offers reliable internet starting at approximately $15/month for eligible seniors, veterans, and families with students in the National School Lunch Program.
Find Utility Providers In Connecticut
Utility Providers by City in Connecticut
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Ansonia | 18,945 | No |
| Ball Pond | 2,606 | No |
| Blue Hills | 2,699 | No |
| Branford Center | 5,934 | No |
| Bridgeport | 975,078 | No |
| Bristol | 60,733 | No |
| Broad Brook | 4,145 | No |
| Byram | 4,994 | No |
| Cheshire Village | 6,006 | No |
| Coleytown | 3,546 | No |
| Collinsville | 3,551 | No |
| Compo | 3,400 | No |
| Conning Towers Nautilus Park | 9,479 | No |
| Cos Cob | 7,089 | No |
| Coventry Lake | 2,028 | No |
| Crystal Lake | 2,421 | No |
| Danbury | 177,722 | No |
| Daniels Farm | 5,764 | No |
| Danielson | 4,146 | No |
| Deep River Center | 2,825 | No |
| Derby | 12,387 | No |
| East Brooklyn | 2,093 | No |
| East Village | 4,250 | No |
| Essex Village | 2,814 | No |
| Fairfield University | 2,857 | No |
| Glastonbury Center | 8,187 | No |
| Glenville | 2,940 | No |
| Greens Farms | 2,881 | No |
| Guilford Center | 2,569 | No |
| Hartford | 907,046 | No |
| Hazardville | 6,070 | No |
| Heritage Village | 4,232 | No |
| Jewett City | 3,404 | Yes |
| Kensington | 9,626 | No |
| Lake Pocotopaug | 5,124 | No |
| Long Hill | 8,307 | No |
| Lordship | 3,077 | No |
| Meriden | 60,790 | No |
| Middletown | 47,164 | No |
| Milford | 50,694 | No |
| Moosup | 3,259 | No |
| Mystic | 4,354 | No |
| Naugatuck | 31,586 | No |
| New Britain | 74,022 | No |
| New Canaan | 7,399 | No |
| New Haven | 587,648 | No |
| New London | 27,585 | No |
| Niantic | 3,240 | No |
| Noroton | 5,682 | No |
| Noroton Heights | 2,723 | No |
| Northford | 6,117 | No |
| Northwest Harwinton | 3,089 | No |
| Norwalk | 90,821 | Yes |
| Norwich | 201,726 | Yes |
| Oakville | 9,507 | No |
| Old Greenwich | 6,929 | No |
| Old Hill | 3,026 | No |
| Old Mystic | 3,475 | No |
| Oronoque | 3,790 | No |
| Oxoboxo River | 2,553 | No |
| Pawcatuck | 5,383 | No |
| Pemberwick | 3,293 | No |
| Quinnipiac University | 4,614 | No |
| Ridgebury | 2,248 | No |
| Riverside | 9,133 | No |
| Rockville | 7,612 | No |
| Salmon Brook | 2,200 | No |
| Sandy Hook | 9,406 | No |
| Saugatuck | 2,890 | No |
| Shelton | 40,944 | No |
| Sherwood Manor | 5,710 | No |
| Simsbury Center | 6,072 | No |
| Southwood Acres | 7,875 | No |
| Stafford Springs | 4,611 | No |
| Stamford | 134,820 | No |
| Staples | 7,125 | No |
| Stepney | 3,370 | No |
| Storrs | 16,784 | No |
| Tashua | 3,482 | No |
| Terryville | 5,110 | No |
| Thompsonville | 8,134 | No |
| Tokeneke | 2,656 | No |
| Torrington | 35,447 | No |
| Trumbull | 10,468 | No |
| Wallingford | 19,211 | Yes |
| Waterbury | 199,552 | No |
| Weatogue | 2,179 | No |
| West Haven | 55,518 | No |
| West Simsbury | 3,005 | No |
| Westbrook Center | 2,241 | No |
| Westport Village | 2,813 | No |
| Willimantic | 18,150 | No |
| Winsted | 6,662 | No |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
















