Eversource (Connecticut) standard service runs 14.6 cents per kWh in 2026 — among the highest residential rates in the lower 48 US. Switching to a competitive supplier in CT typically saves 12 to 22 percent vs the standard service rate. United Illuminating (UI) serves coastal southern CT with similar economics. The lock window for both utilities opens August through October.
Why CT rates are among the highest in the lower 48
Connecticut sits at the end of the ISO-NE grid with limited interstate transmission capacity. The marginal generator is almost always natural gas, which faces pipeline constraints into New England during winter.
Capacity charges in ISO-NE run high due to retiring coal generation and slow renewable buildout. CT has also retained a higher regulated transmission cost recovery vs neighboring states. All combined: the highest residential rates in the lower 48.
CT supplier classes ranked
Class 1: PUCA-certified fixed-rate suppliers offering 12 to 24 month locks at 11.4 to 12.8 cents per kWh. Best ROI for most CT households.
Class 2: aggregations (small but exist in select municipalities). Class 3: introductory-rate variable plans. Avoid except in narrow cases. Class 4: green-premium plans with 100 percent renewable energy. Pay 0.5 to 1.5 cents more per kWh.
When staying on Eversource SS makes sense
Rarely. The 14.6 cents standard service is consistently above the cleanest supplier offers. The main case for staying: you have a short remaining lease term (under 6 months) and do not want to deal with a supplier change.
For most CT households, locking a supplier rate at 11.4 to 12.8 cents per kWh saves $35 to $55 a month vs SS, or $420 to $660 per year.
Lock the rate before the next reset.
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Quick answers from the editorial desk
What is the role of PURA in Connecticut?
Why is Eversource Connecticut SS so high?
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What is the capacity charge in Connecticut?
Further reading