Connecticut electric rates 2026 have continued to change through 2025 and into 2026. Many residents served by Eversource or United Illuminating (UI) are seeing higher monthly bills, even when electricity use stays the same. This is because utilities adjust both the price of the electricity supply and the delivery charges that appear on every bill
Understanding why rates are rising and what steps homeowners can take now can help manage costs today and in the future.
Why Connecticut Electric Bills Are High
Colder months increase demand for lighting, heating systems, heat pumps, and water heaters. Many Connecticut homes use more electricity during winter. When higher usage is combined with Connecticut electric rates 2026 rising, bills can increase even if household habits stay the same.
What Changed in 2025 and 2026
Electric bills are made up of multiple charges, including the electricity supply (generation) rate and the distribution (delivery) rate.
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In 2025, regulators approved some adjustments that lowered certain bill components. However, standard service supply rates still adjusted based on market prices.
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In 2026, the standard service supply rate for many Eversource customers increased compared with the prior winter. For example, the supply portion of the bill rose from around 11.19 cents per kilowatt hour to about 12.64 cents on January 1, 2026, meaning some customers pay more for the same energy they used last year.
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UI customers also face higher distribution charges as part of a rate decision that affects bills from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026, with increases in delivery costs.
Because these charges are applied per kilowatt hour or as fixed fees, many households now pay more for electricity than they did a year ago.
Reducing Usage Alone May Not Be Enough
Many homeowners try to reduce bills by using less electricity. While efficiency improvements help, they do not fully protect against Connecticut electric rates 2026 increases. Turning down thermostats or using fewer appliances lowers consumption, but it does not change the per-unit price charged by utilities. As long as rates continue to rise, total bills can remain unpredictable.
How Solar Can Help
Connecticut electric rates 2026 are rising. Solar energy can help homeowners lower their bills and protect against future increases.
Solar energy gives homeowners the ability to generate electricity at home, reducing reliance on grid power that is subject to rate changes. Solar systems can still produce energy in winter and often generate excess power in sunnier months, which can provide credits that help offset higher usage later in the year.
Over time, solar can help provide cost stability in an energy market that continues to change.
Taking Action Now
Even with rate increases already underway, homeowners can take steps to manage costs now:
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Review recent electric bills to understand usage patterns.
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Seal drafts and improve insulation to reduce wasted energy.
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Adjust thermostat settings and use energy-efficient appliances.
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Explore solar options to plan for long-term savings.
A solar evaluation can show whether a home qualifies for solar and how much a homeowner might save over time with Connecticut electric rates 2026 trends factored in.
Planning for Future Rate Changes
Connecticut electric rates are reviewed and adjusted regularly. Future increases are always possible, so building a long-term energy plan that includes energy efficiency and solar generation can help protect household budgets from ongoing rate volatility.
Conclusion
Connecticut electric rates 2026 are rising, and many homeowners are paying more for the same electricity they used last year. By understanding what has changed, managing usage wisely, and considering long-term solutions such as solar, homeowners can take control of their energy costs.
Suncovia is locally owned and serves Connecticut homeowners. Our solar solutions require no upfront cost, and homeowners can begin saving while protecting themselves from future rate increases.
Schedule a free solar consultation at https://suncovia.com/free-quote/
