Connecticut solar inquiries rise after Eversource rate hike filing

By AI, Created 6:06 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Ion Solar Pros says more Connecticut homeowners are asking about solar after Eversource filed for an estimated 11% electric rate increase on May 20. The proposed hike, still under PURA review, could raise average residential bills by about $25 to $40 a month and may accelerate interest in self-generation.

Why it matters: - Connecticut homeowners are looking for ways to reduce exposure to future utility price increases. - The Eversource filing could add meaningful monthly costs to residential electric bills if regulators approve it. - Rising interest in solar could signal a broader shift toward home energy independence across the state.

What happened: - Ion Solar Pros, a Middlebury-based Connecticut residential solar and roofing installer, reports a noticeable increase in homeowner inquiries since May 20. - Eversource filed a letter of intent with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority seeking an estimated 11% rate increase across all customer classes. - The filing would amount to about 13% for residential customers. - The proposed increase would take effect July 1, 2027, if approved. - The filing is Eversource’s first electric rate review in Connecticut since 2017.

The details: - NBC Connecticut reported that the average residential bill would rise by an estimated $25 a month if securitization is approved. - NBC Connecticut also reported the increase could be as much as $40 a month without securitization. - Governor Ned Lamont cited Eversource’s reported $1.69 billion in annual profit and a 23% increase in shareholder returns over the prior year in a May 21 message to Connecticut families. - Attorney General William Tong said Connecticut families are being “crushed by unaffordable energy costs while Eversource executives crow to Wall Street over surging profits.” - Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman called the filing “one of the most consequential utility review proceedings in years.” - Ion Solar Pros says homeowners across Connecticut have been asking about solar more often since the filing. - Tom Labbe, Executive Sales Director at Ion Solar Pros, said homeowners who were undecided are now running the numbers and want to know what they can do. - Ion Solar Pros published a sourced breakdown of the filing on its website. - The company says every figure and quote in that article links back to the Office of Governor Ned Lamont, NBC Connecticut, or WTNH. - Ion Solar Pros is headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut, and serves homeowners statewide. - The company says it specializes in Connecticut solar installation, custom-designed solar energy systems, battery storage, and roofing services. - Ion Solar Pros says it has a 4.9-star average customer rating and HIC license No. 0660303. - The company’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - The filing is drawing attention beyond the utility sector because it touches household budgets directly. - The surge in solar interest suggests some homeowners may see rooftop solar as a hedge against future rate increases. - Public criticism from state leaders could keep pressure on the review process as PURA weighs the request.

What’s next: - PURA will review the proposed increase before any change can take effect. - Homeowners are likely to keep comparing solar options, monthly utility bills, and long-term savings while the case moves forward. - If approved, the rate change would arrive in mid-2027, giving consumers time to adjust plans or seek alternatives.

The bottom line: - Eversource’s proposed hike is still under review, but it is already nudging more Connecticut homeowners to consider solar as a way to blunt future bill increases.