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HB 6293

AN ACT REPEALING ANY CHARGE INCLUDED IN THE COMBINED PUBLIC BENEFITS CHARGE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Buchsbaum and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill would eliminate the Combined Public Benefits Charge on electricity bills, removing dedicated funding for energy efficiency, renewable programs, and low-income assistance without identifying replacement funding.

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Bill Summary · HB 6293

Legislative bill overview

HB 6293 proposes to eliminate the Combined Public Benefits Charge (CPBC), a fee that Connecticut utility customers currently pay on their electricity bills. This charge funds various public benefit programs including energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy development, and low-income assistance programs. The bill would repeal this mechanism entirely, removing the dedicated funding source for these programs.

Why is this important

The CPBC generates substantial annual revenue for Connecticut's energy assistance and sustainability programs. Repealing it would eliminate funding for ratepayer-supported benefits without specifying alternative revenue sources, potentially affecting energy efficiency rebates, renewable energy development, and bill assistance for low-income households. This could shift these program costs to general tax revenues or eliminate them altogether.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding gap: No alternative funding mechanism is identified in the bill text, creating uncertainty about how existing public benefit programs would continue operating
  • Energy efficiency impact: Connecticut has relied on CPBC-funded efficiency programs to meet state energy goals and reduce peak demand; elimination could slow progress
  • Ratepayer burden: Some argue the charge is regressive and burdens low-income families, while others contend it funds assistance specifically designed to help those populations
  • Cost shifting: Removing a dedicated charge may push costs to general state budgets or eliminate programs entirely, with unclear distributional consequences

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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