Jaime Foster

Shortchanging the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is penny wise & pound foolish. In just one year, OCC helped save Connecticut ratepayers over $350 million - on a budget of just $4.575 million. That's a 7,550% return on investment (ROI).

Utilities show up to PURA, FERC, & the Siting Council with attorneys & engineers. Ratepayers deserve the same level of expert advocacy & that's what OCC provides.

This bill structures things smartly - allowing for targeted use of consultants when needed, like last year, when a $29,000 investment from Connecticut helped uncover $1 million in savings on transmission rates.

This isn't just policy - it's about protecting working families & making sure our utility system is fair, transparent, & accountable.

Watch my remarks from yesterday's Energy & Technology Committee vote.