The Henry L. and Grace Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute is a place-based climate change hub that uses data and metrics to educate the public, mobilize stakeholders, and highlight the nature-based solutions necessary to cut climate pollution, protect our habitats, and stabilize our shorelines.
One of the Institute’s priorities is energy affordability.
Connecticut’s Public Benefits Charge offers the best path to reducing energy costs for families and businesses across the state.
The Public Benefits Charge is a portion of your electric bill that funds essential programs for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other systems benefits. It keeps our electric grid running smoothly, cuts air pollution and saves money.
Since its inception, the Conservation and Load Management program funded by the Public Benefits Charge has lowered energy burdens for more than half a million families and businesses.
For each kilowatt hour of energy used:
- 1/10th of 1 cent goes to renewable energy programs, and
- 7/10ths of 1 cent go to energy efficiency programs that reduce costs for Connecticut residents—programs you may qualify for!
These investments save ratepayers far more than they cost. Every dollar invested in energy efficiency generates $3.50 in benefits. In 2024 alone, these programs resulted in $39.4 million in energy savings.
In 2024, energy efficiency programs saved enough energy to power 31,528 homes for a year.