Connecticut AG Submitted Testimony in Support of State Legislation to Enhance Consumer Protections in Retail Electricity Markets

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong submitted testimony in support of state legislation to better protect customers against deceptive and exploitative business practices used by some retail electric suppliers. In his testimony, Attorney General Tong emphasized that his office’s “direct experience indicates that illegal and deceptive sales practices persist” despite existing consumer protections, and explained that the need for the legislation is “readily apparent” given the prevalence of fines issued by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority over such practices. Attorney General Tong expressed support for the elimination of early termination fees and predatory automatic renewals, among other provisions, and suggested the legislation be modified to preserve existing protections for customers struggling to pay their electric bills.