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| OUT N' ABOUT IN THE 41ST DISTRICT |
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| On Monday, we celebrated National Oyster Day by recognizing Groton, Mystic, and Stonington as key aquaculture centers in Connecticut!
In 2023, Connecticut’s shellfish harvesters reported sales of 275,000 bags of oysters valued at $14.6 million, providing over 300 jobs statewide.
The 41st District is home to several oyster farms including the Noank Aquaculture Cooperative, which supports shellfish farmers by providing resources and facilities for sustainable aquaculture practices. It focuses on the cultivation of oysters, contributing to the local economy, and promoting environmentally responsible seafood production.
Our district also hosts the Sea Grant program at UConn Avery Point, which specializes in oyster research and supports sustainable shellfish farming. Groton also boasts one of the oldest shellfish commissions in Connecticut, highlighting its long-standing commitment to aquaculture.
The area’s rich history includes the Native Pequots and Mohegans, who have practiced shell-fishing for centuries, making it an integral part of their culture and the landscape long before colonization. Today, their legacy continues to influence and shape the region’s thriving shellfish industry.
With more than 61,000 acres of shellfish farms, Connecticut’s coastal waters are thriving. Governor Ned Lamont has even proclaimed our state the “Napa Valley of Oysters.” Oysters are not only a sustainable food source but also a keystone species that improve water clarity and support marine habitats.
In the future, I would like to see Connecticut’s shell recycling programs scaled up so we can collect used shells from restaurants and festivals, placing them back into Long Island Sound to expand oyster habitats and mitigate climate change. This helps sequester carbon, reduce coastal erosion, and cut down on food waste.
Launched in May 2024, Connecticut’s first-ever oyster trail celebrates our vibrant oyster industry. The trail highlights oyster farms and culinary destinations, encouraging everyone to savor Connecticut’s local oysters (map of trail found in 3rd photo). |
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| We had a beautiful evening for Groton City Day! Shout out to the City Parks and Rec, Groton Utilities, and all those who participated and volunteered! |
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| We were back again after attending last year—wouldn’t miss the annual Stonington Borough Fire Department Lobster Dinner as it always provides delicious, fresh lobster and a pretty kickin’ coleslaw) and brings the Stonington Borough community together. A big thank you to the organizers and volunteers that make this possible. See you next year! |
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| Thank you for attending an amazing coffee hour at The Ditty Bag and Market Cafe last week. We had an incredible multi-generational discussion about the state of our democracy, our solid waste crisis, and our inclusive zoning policy that does not denigrate our environmental policy. Thank you Jason for opening your business to the community! |
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| EXPLAINING YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL |
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If you've noticed an unwelcome rise in your electricity bill this month, I share your frustration and want to provide more information about the factors contributing to it. You’ve also asked about the "public benefits" portion of your electric bill from Eversource, so I’d like to address that as well.
Despite Connecticut residents paying some of the highest electric rates in the country, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) recently approved a rate adjustment for Eversource on a 2-1 vote, benefiting both the company and its CEO, Joe Nolan. Nolan, who received an executive compensation package of $18 million this year (up from $13 million the year before), has repeatedly complained about Connecticut’s evolving regulatory environment. The state, through PURA, now seeks to tie rate increases to utility performance rather than a simple return on investment.
While the supply cost of electricity has actually decreased—driven by market forces and not influenced by PURA— two commissioners who supported Eversource allowed investor-owned utilities to recover costs for several programs, which I’ve listed below. A significant 77% of the increase in distribution costs is due to the 2017 Millstone agreement. This deal, which I did not vote on as I wasn’t in the legislature at the time, requires Eversource and UI to purchase half of the power plant’s energy output through 2029. The cost of this agreement fluctuates based on Connecticut's energy costs. Although the contract has secured jobs at Millstone and ensured the continued operation of a nuclear plant that provides 15% of New England’s energy, the rates stipulated in the 2017 contract sometimes exceed what’s available on the wholesale market. Additionally, Eversource included the costs associated with previous storms in their rate adjustment—a cost I believe should not be shouldered by ratepayers. |
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Public Benefits
The Public Benefits section of your electric bill includes the Nonbypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC) and the Combined Public Benefits (CPB) Charge. The CPB charge combines the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC), Renewable Energy Investment Charge, and Conservation and Load Management (C&LM) Charge.
Combined Public Benefits (CPB) Charge
The CPB charge on electric bills consists of three components:
- Systems Benefit Charge (SBC): This fund's public education, hardship programs, and other societal costs, varying by the electric company. It covers costs for hardship customers, payment matching programs, and low-income discounts, with higher charges for residential consumers compared to businesses.
- Renewable Energy Investment Charge: This charge funds the Renewable Energy Investment Fund to promote renewable energy sources, set at 0.1 cents per kWh. It supports the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, which provides incentives for renewable energy programs.
- Conservation Adjustment Mechanism (CAM) Charge: The CAM Charge supports energy efficiency programs, combining a state-mandated 0.3 cent per kWh charge and up to an additional 0.3 cent per kWh. It generates nearly $160 million annually to fund conservation and energy efficiency initiatives.
Non-Bypassable Federally Mandated Congestion Charge (NBFMCC)
The NBFMCC covers costs approved by FERC and PURA to reduce congestion charges and pay for reliability contracts. It includes costs for ISO-NE, transmission congestion, gas peaker plants, renewable energy incentives, and nuclear contracts, with rates set at 4.362¢ per kWh for Eversource and 2.7359¢ per kWh for UI from July 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025.
Click HERE to visit the Office of Consumer Counsel for an updated description of the electric charges on your monthly bill.
Taking Action
While we intend to evaluate the public benefits charge during the next legislative session that begins in January 2025, previous action to control electricity costs is just coming online. We passed the Take Back Our Grid Act in 2021, which contained some significant reforms, including strengthening PURA's ability to scrutinize and review rate increases and performance-based regulation. In 2023, PA 23-102 became law, and it is robust pro-consumer legislation that provides predictability and transparency for ratepayers and prohibits utility companies from using electric rates to pay for their lobbying, marketing, and travel/lodging for company executives.
At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Energy has also selected the Power Up New England proposal submitted by Connecticut and its neighboring New England states to receive an award of up to $389 million through the second round of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive Grid Innovation Program (GIP). Power Up features significant investments in regional electric infrastructure that will provide the New England region with greater resource diversity, and increased reliability while lowering consumer costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Checking Your Rates
Third-party electricity suppliers can potentially lower costs through reduced rates at EnergizeCT.com. Additionally, the Office of Consumer Counsel offers a guide to understanding the line items on your electricity bill here.
Available Programs
A significant portion of my constituency in Groton is served by Groton Utilities (GU), a municipal public electric utility owned by the City of Groton, which reduced rates by 9.5% earlier this year. As your State Representative, I introduced a bill that would allow communities to join an existing or start their public electric utility. Unfortunately, Eversource, as a monopoly, prioritizes its shareholders over its ratepayers.
As your representative, I will always fight in the interests of ratepayers and will continue to propose legislation aimed at exploring ways to break up the Eversource monopoly, as I did last session. I fully support the actions of PURA Chair Marissa Gillett to hold utilities accountable, as well as the efforts of the Office of Consumer Counsel to protect Connecticut residents from unfair rate hikes. |
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| CHEERS FOR THE LARGEST SEAL RELEASE IN STATE HISTORY |
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Some good news to share regarding recent achievements by Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program that highlight its commitment to marine conservation and critical need for continued support.
On Thursday, July 25th, Mystic Aquarium celebrated a historic milestone with the largest seal release in Connecticut's history. Around 1,000 spectators gathered at Hammonasset State Park to witness the return of four gray seals—Sealy-Dan, Tortellini, Orecchiette, and Cavatelli—to their natural habitat.
This momentous event illustrates the dedication of our team and the importance of our work across 1,000 miles of coastline in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Fishers Island. Each seal’s rehabilitation and release cost approximately $10,000, emphasizing the need for ongoing support to sustain these efforts. Additionally, on Saturday, August 3rd, we had the privilege of releasing two critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, Dutton and Argo, back to the ocean. These turtles were among 16 admitted to our care this past fall after being found cold-stunned on Cape Cod, MA. They arrived with wounds, pneumonia, and malnourishment, and after 7 months of intensive care, they are now ready to resume their life in the wild.
Sea turtles face numerous threats including entanglement, habitat loss, climate change, and marine debris. The successful release of just one sea turtle profoundly impacts their population, as each turtle can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs in its lifetime. Mystic Aquarium is proud of our progress and grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and community supporters. However, we must continue to invest in and support our rescue programs to ensure the ongoing success of our conservation efforts.
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I am happy to announce that I've earned a 100% voting record while representing Groton and Stonington at the Capitol during the 2024 legislative session. The House Clerk's Office released its records of vote tallies recently. It confirmed I did not miss any of the 276 votes taken. This is also confirmation that I am deeply engaged in the process. That is a must for the constituents of the 41st district.
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| LEAD FREE CT CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED |
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The Connecticut Department of Public Health just launched a great new campaign called Lead Free CT! The goal of the program is to protect children from the harmful health impacts of lead and create a lead-free Connecticut.
Key objectives of the program include:
- Making older homes where children or pregnant people live lead safe
- Collecting information on all known lead service water lines in Connecticut
- Replacing lead pipes that bring water to homes, childcare centers, and schools
- Supporting families who find lead in their home or water
- Offering funding to get Connecticut communities lead-free
- Having all Connecticut children tested for lead
- Raising awareness of lead testing and safety among parents
- Educating communities, contractors, and landlords on lead laws and safety
To learn more, please click HERE. |
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| AMTRAK WORK SCHEDULED IN MYSTIC |
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| Amtrak will be conducting two 55-hour weekend outages to install new culverts under the tracks south of Stonington Road, between Masons Island Road and Latimer Point Road. Much of the construction activities associated with this project will take place on Amtrak's right of way and tracks.
This project involves installing a new interlocking to increase operational flexibility, capacity, and safety. These improvements are essential to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor to ensure safe and efficient intercity travel for the traveling public.
Here's a look at the construction schedule, weather permitting:
• August 16 - 19
• August 23 - 26
• Continuous work from Friday at 8:00 p.m. to Monday at 5:00 a.m.
According to Amtrak, during this period, you can expect:
• An increased presence of Amtrak personnel and vehicles in the area
• Continuous construction activities to fully utilize the 55-hour single-track outages
• Overnight work to minimize disruptions to daytime train operations
• Elevated noise levels in and around the construction site
• Federally regulated audible warnings by trains and watchmen/lookouts when equipment approaches construction zones for safety reasons
• Construction lighting during off-peak hours for employee safety and safe operations of railroad equipment |
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| REMINDER: THRIVE 55+ DROP-IN PROGRAMS AND MORE |
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| A lot is going on at Thrive 55+. Check it out! |
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| BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY SURVEY |
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| Please consider taking the survey to help plan the future at Bill Memorial Library by using the QR code below or clicking on the image below to access the survey. |
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| REMINDER: TAKE BLUFF POINT STATE PARK SURVEY |
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Have you ever visited Bluff Point State Park? If so, please consider taking a survey. The Connecticut Reserve, SLR Consulting, and Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks have received funds from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to conduct a restoration and improvement plan for Bluff Point State Park.
As part of the plan, a Visitor Use survey is being conducted to collect information about how visitors use Bluff Point State Park, what challenges they encounter, and how they feel the Park could be improved. If you visit Bluff Point State Park and would like to take a 16-question survey, please click on the image below. |
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| NEW: CT CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY NEWSLETTER |
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| Hot off the press is the first Connecticut Consumer Protection Monthly Newsletter! Here you will find topics covered, including scams, fraud awareness, and more. Feel free to email questions and suggest topics at DCP.Communications@ct.gov |
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| GROTON MYSTIC 2024 YOUTH FOOTBALL SCHEDULE |
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| Good luck team. Go get 'em! |
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| SATURDAY IS NATIONAL CONNECTICUT DAY |
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I am proud to represent a state rich in history, innovation, and natural beauty. Let us celebrate what makes Connecticut special, from our vibrant communities to our pioneering spirit. Here’s to the people who make our state shine!
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| HEADS UP: SALES TAX-FREE WEEK IS AUGUST 18-24 |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.
During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone. |
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Click the button below for a list of exempt and taxable items.
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| Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week! |
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES |
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| Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative |
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