Connecticut regulators approved changes to electricity-purchasing rules Oct. 7 that would give Eversource and United Illuminating more flexibility in buying power for residential and small-business customers.
The change applies to standard service, the default supply plan for customers who have not chosen an outside electricity supplier. The utilities buy that electricity through a process overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, known as PURA.
The framework sets a nonbinding target of buying 20% of standard-service electricity demand through wholesale markets. Fixed-price contracts covering customers' full electricity requirements would supply the other 80%.
Utilities may use fixed-price contracts instead when they offer better value. Purchases above the 20% target are also possible when expected customer benefits and measures to limit risk support them.
The manager responsible for electricity purchasing must submit an updated plan with the new requirements by Feb. 1, 2027.
PURA says the changes are intended to reduce supply costs while retaining protection against swings in electricity prices. The decision changes purchasing rules; it does not establish a specific reduction in customers' bills.