UI Rates Dropped This Summer. So Why Does Your Bill Still Feel So High?

Here’s the good news first: on July 1, the price United Illuminating charges most Milford homes for the electricity itself went down. UI’s residential Standard Service supply rate (Rate R) fell from 13.70 cents to 11.95 cents per kilowatt-hour, roughly a 13% cut, according to a May 22 consumer alert from the state Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC). UI’s own rate schedule lists the new rate at 11.9473 cents, in effect July 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.

The OCC estimated that change alone would cut about $10.50 a month for an average UI home using 600 kWh, and about $12 a month for one using 700 kWh. It came on top of separate May 1 adjustments to other parts of the bill. The OCC put the combined May and July drop at about $50 a month, or 18%, for an average UI customer.

So why doesn’t it always feel that way when the bill lands? Two big reasons: supply is only one piece of what you pay, and in summer you use more power. The OCC says household energy use climbs roughly 35% in the summer months because of air conditioning.

What’s actually on your UI bill

The OCC’s guide, Understand your electric bill, breaks a Connecticut electric bill into four parts. Here’s how they look for a UI Rate R customer, using the OCC’s figures:

• Supply: 11.95¢/kWh. This is the electricity itself. It’s the only part you can shop around for. You can stay on UI’s Standard Service or pick a third-party supplier.
• Transmission: 4.8722¢/kWh (since May 1). This pays for moving power over high-voltage lines. Federal regulators approve it.
• Local delivery. UI’s distribution charge is 11.3469¢/kWh, almost as much as supply. Delivery also includes a $13.02 fixed monthly customer charge that you pay no matter how little power you use. Right now there’s a small decoupling credit of 0.3178¢/kWh too. You pay delivery charges to UI no matter who supplies your power.
• Public benefits. These cover state programs: hardship assistance, the low-income discount rate, renewable energy (0.1¢/kWh) and energy-efficiency programs (0.3¢/kWh plus up to another 0.3¢). For May 2026 through April 2027, two of these lines are actually credits for UI customers: the Systems Benefits Charge (1.3147¢/kWh credit) and the non-bypassable federally mandated congestion charge (2.8278¢/kWh credit).

Bottom line: a lower supply rate helps, but delivery and transmission together cost more per kWh than the supply itself. If you used more power this summer, a bigger bill can easily outweigh a smaller rate.

Mark your calendar: the Jan. 1 reset

Standard Service supply rates change twice a year, on Jan. 1 and July 1, the OCC says. Today’s 11.95-cent rate runs through Dec. 31. The rate for January hasn’t been announced yet. For reference, last winter UI’s supply rate rose from 11.68 cents (July 2025) to 13.70 cents (January 2026) before falling this summer.

Thinking about a third-party supplier? The OCC points shoppers to EnergizeCT.com to compare offers. Read the contract terms carefully, and check how long any rate lasts and what it changes to afterward.

Ways to use less, with the numbers behind them

• Set back the thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver guide says you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7–10°F for eight hours a day in fall and winter (and up in spring and summer). Heat pump owners should check with a pro first, the guide notes.
• Swap to LEDs. The same DOE guide says one ENERGY STAR LED bulb uses up to 90% less energy than an old incandescent, lasts 15–25 times longer, and can save about $55 in electricity over its lifetime.
• Cut standby power. DOE suggests advanced power strips, which stop electronics from drawing energy when you’re not using them.
• Get a home energy visit. Energize CT’s Home Energy Solutions assessment has cost $40 since April 1, 2026. On average, Energize CT says, participants get about $1,000 in services and save $70–$100 a year on energy bills. Homes that had the service in the last six years don’t qualify. Call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).

If you’re struggling to pay, there’s help

• Free energy assessment for income-eligible homes. Home Energy Solutions – Income Eligible is no-cost for households at or below 60% of the state median income. For the 2026–2027 season, that’s $48,714 a year for one person and $93,681 for a family of four.
• UI Matching Payment Program. If your account has financial hardship status and a past-due balance of $100 or more that’s over 60 days old, UI will match every dollar you pay, plus every dollar you get from energy assistance, down to a zero balance. To qualify for hardship, your income must be at or below 60% of the state median, or someone in your home must get a qualifying government benefit. You can enroll year-round, and matching starts Nov. 1.
• Winter protection and hardship status. If you qualify, UI won’t shut off your electricity between Nov. 1 and May 1. You have to renew winter protection every year, starting in October (UI Help With Bill). UI also offers a Low Income Discount Rate of 10% or 50% for hardship customers, according to the state. Call UI at 800-722-5584.
• CEAP heating assistance. The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is taking 2026–2027 applications through May 31, 2027. Benefits run $355–$705 depending on household size, income and heating source. Milford residents apply through TEAM Inc., the local community action agency: 30 Elizabeth St., Derby; (203) 736-5420 (press 3); energy@teaminc.org. You can also apply online.
• Operation Fuel, now Generation Power CT. The statewide nonprofit gives one-time emergency energy grants. Its next application windows are Dec. 1–15, 2026 and March 1–15, 2027. Applications are online only, and you’ll need proof of income. (860) 243-2345.

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