Connecticut Senators Urge NY Governor to Ease Natural Gas Pipeline Constraints

Seven Republican senators from Connecticut have written to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, asking her to reconsider policies that are limiting natural gas pipeline expansion into New England. The letter, signed by Sens. Ryan Fazio (Greenwich), Jason Perillo (Shelton), Henri Martin (Bristol), Jeff Gordon (Woodstock), Heather Somers (Groton), Rob Sampson (Wolcott) and Paul Cicarella (North Haven), argues that these decisions are contributing to higher energy costs in Connecticut.

The senators point out that Connecticut residential customers paid 27.37 cents per kilowatt-hour in May, nearly 49 percent above the national average. Eversource is now seeking a separate rate increase that could raise the average residential bill by as much as 18 percent beginning in July 2027 if state regulators approve the full request.

The letter frames the request as compatible with New York's environmental priorities, not opposed to them. The senators believe it is possible to pursue environmental stewardship while also recognizing the essential role that dependable energy infrastructure continues to play in maintaining affordable electricity, supporting economic growth, and protecting grid reliability.