PURA Approves Updated Framework for Standard Service Electricity Procurement
Press Releases
10/07/2026
(New Britain, CT – October 7, 2026) – The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA or Authority) issued a Final Decision (Decision) today approving modifications to Connecticut’s framework for procuring standard service electricity for residential and small business customers.
Connecticut’s electricity customers served by Eversource and United Illuminating, the state’s electric distribution companies (EDCs), can choose their energy supplier. Standard service is the default electricity supply plan for customers who do not enroll with a third-party supplier. The EDCs are responsible for procuring electricity on behalf of customers enrolled on Standard Service, following a process overseen by PURA’s Procurement
Manager and in consultation with the Office of Consumer Counsel. The modifications to the process framework adopted today were developed in adherence with the requirements of Section 31 of Public Act 25-173, An Act Concerning Energy Affordability, Access, and Accountability.
The Decision, in PURA’s Docket No. 12-06-02RE05, approves the proposed amendment to the procurement plan, with changes intended to provide greater procurement flexibility and reduce costs while preserving customer safeguards. Under the framework, there will be a non-binding target for wholesale market purchases to comprise 20% of standard service
load. Traditional “full requirement service contracts,” under which suppliers bid at a fixed price for all load served, will continue to be used for the remaining 80% of standard service load, and may also be used in place of wholesale market purchases when they provide better value for customers. Wholesale market purchases above 20% may also be considered when market conditions indicate a reasonable expected customer benefit and appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.
“This decision is a positive step forward in improving our procedures to procure energy at the best price for Connecticut ratepayers, while preserving important safeguards from market volatility,” said Chairman Tom Wiehl.
“I commend the bipartisan work that went into Public Act 25-173. The standard service procurement reforms in the final decision create real opportunities for competition to drive down supply costs. This is the kind of durable, forward-looking decision that can deliver value for Connecticut customers for years to come.”
“As the energy space evolves, so should our procedures for procuring power. This reform is a welcome first step,” commented Commissioner Holly Cheeseman.
The framework is intended to encourage competition, and the Decision recognizes bidder participation as an important factor in determining whether procurement results reasonably reflect prevailing market conditions. In the ruling, the Authority emphasizes the importance of encouraging greater participation among qualified wholesale suppliers. Broader competition can strengthen market discipline and provide customers greater assurance that competitive prices reflect a robust competitive process.
The procurement manager must develop and submit the Procurement Plan Amendment incorporating the Decision’s requirements by February 1, 2027.
Contact
Taren O'Connor
Director of Legislation, Regulation and Communication
860-827-2689
Taren.Oconnor@ct.gov
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