Utilities setup and providers in Connecticut: Electric providers: Eversource, United Illuminating. Gas providers: Eversource, Southern Connecticut Gas. Water services: Aquarion, Connecticut Water Company. Internet providers: Xfinity, Frontier, Optimum. Cable TV: Spectrum, Xfinity, Frontier. Contact utility companies before moving. Provide at least two weeks' notice. Check local municipality for water services. Review provider rate plans and fees. Set up automatic bill payment options.
Electric providers: Eversource, United Illuminating
In Connecticut, electric services are provided by Eversource and United Illuminating. Customers have the option to choose between these utilities' standard service or licensed third-party suppliers overseen by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). This provides flexibility and potentially competitive rates for consumers looking to manage their energy costs effectively.
Gas providers: Eversource, Southern Connecticut Gas
Eversource and Southern Connecticut Gas are the primary natural gas providers in Connecticut. Eversource serves various areas, including those outside of Easthampton and Northampton, while Southern Connecticut Gas delivers natural gas and related services primarily in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas, as well as several surrounding towns in Fairfield, New Haven, and Middlesex counties.
Water services: Aquarion, Connecticut Water Company
Aquarion Water delivers water to an estimated 695,000 people in Connecticut, while the Connecticut Water Company, a subsidiary of SJW Group, serves more than 107,000 customers in 60 Connecticut towns and provides wastewater services to 3,000 customers in Southbury. Both are investor-owned utilities regulated by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Internet providers: Xfinity, Frontier, Optimum
In Connecticut, Frontier Fiber stands out as the top choice for internet services, providing impressive speeds of up to 5 Gbps along with competitive pricing and favorable service terms, such as equipment rental and unlimited data. Meanwhile, Xfinity offers the most budget-friendly plan at $25 per month for 200 Mbps. On the other hand, Optimum boasts remarkable speeds up to 8 Gbps, though its availability across the state is somewhat limited. For more detailed information about the best internet providers in Connecticut, visit the CNET website.
Cable TV: Spectrum, Xfinity, Frontier
In Connecticut, for cable TV, Spectrum and Xfinity are among the top providers, with Spectrum offering widespread coverage and Xfinity available to about 53% of households. Frontier, however, does not primarily offer cable TV services, instead focusing on internet and other telecommunications services.
Contact utility companies before moving
Before moving in Connecticut, it is essential to contact the utility companies to start, stop, or transfer your electric service. For instance, United Illuminating requires information such as the service address, billing address, start and stop dates, and identification for setting up or transferring service.
Provide at least two weeks' notice
To switch electric suppliers in Connecticut, you can compare rates and choose a supplier through resources like the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority or EnergizeCT.com. It is advisable to carefully review contracts and terms, including any early termination fees, before making a switch.
Check local municipality for water services
To check local municipality water services in Connecticut, residents can visit the website of their local water department, such as the Waterbury Water Department, which provides details on water supply, billing, and customer service for specific areas like Waterbury, Watertown, Prospect, and Wolcott.
Review provider rate plans and fees
In Connecticut, electric bills are divided into four components: Supply, Transmission, Local Delivery, and Public Benefits. The Supply portion includes the Generation Services Charge (GSC), with Eversource's GSC at 8.889C/ per kWh and UI's at 11.9101C/ per kWh as of July 1, 2024. Local Delivery includes charges for maintaining the distribution grid, customer service, and system improvements, while Public Benefits cover costs related to grid reliability, affordability, and clean energy initiatives. Customers can choose between standard service from Eversource or UI and third-party suppliers, with rates changing semi-annually. For further details and resources on managing electric bills effectively, visit the Connecticut Government's Electricity Portal.
Set up automatic bill payment options
To set up automatic bill payments with UI in Connecticut, select the bank account you'd like to use, set the payment schedule that works best for you, and your automatic payments will begin with your next bill. For more details on this convenient process, visit their website at UI AutoPay. This service ensures you never miss a payment, providing peace of mind and easing the burden of monthly bill management.