Introduction:
Deregulation has transformed the electricity market in Connecticut, giving residents and businesses the ability to choose who supplies the energy that powers their homes and workplaces. Before deregulation, consumers had no choice: the local utility company both delivered and supplied electricity at rates set by regulators. Today, the supply portion of the bill is open to competition, and customers can shop for plans that better suit their needs, whether they are looking for predictable fixed rates, renewable energy options, or incentives and rewards. This page provides a comprehensive guide to the deregulated towns of Connecticut, explains how the deregulated market works, lists every town where you can shop for suppliers, and offers practical tips for making an informed decision.
Understanding electricity deregulation in Connecticut:
Electricity service is composed of two main parts: supply and delivery. Delivery is the transmission and distribution of electricity over poles, wires and substations from power plants to your meter. This portion of the service remains regulated by the state and is provided by your local electric distribution company, such as Eversource or United Illuminating. Supply, on the other hand, is the electricity itself. In 1998 Connecticut passed legislation restructuring the electric industry, and over the next several years the state gradually opened the supply side of the market to competition. Today, the supply portion of your bill is deregulated: you are free to purchase electricity from a licensed third‑party supplier or remain on the standard offer from your distribution company. Regardless of which supplier you choose, your local utility continues to deliver the power, maintain lines and respond to outages.
Why deregulation matters:
Allowing multiple suppliers to compete for your business gives consumers more options. Suppliers offer a variety of plans that may include fixed rates, variable rates, renewable energy mixes and customer perks such as rebates or airline miles. By comparing offers you may be able to secure a rate lower than the standard offer or find a plan that aligns with your values. The competitive market also encourages innovation: suppliers develop products featuring 100% renewable electricity, time‑of‑use pricing and smart home integration. Deregulation creates transparency by requiring suppliers to disclose contract terms, price per kilowatt hour and early termination fees, and it fosters consumer education about how energy markets work. For businesses with substantial energy use, choosing a supply contract tailored to their load profile can mean significant savings over time.
How Connecticut’s deregulated market works:
Connecticut has two investor‑owned electric distribution companies. Eversource serves the vast majority of the state, while United Illuminating serves seventeen towns in the southwestern portion. These companies deliver electricity to all customers in their territories, regardless of which supplier provides the electrons. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) regulates the utilities and oversees the competitive supplier market, ensuring that suppliers are licensed, follow marketing rules and provide clear contract information. The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) provides consumer advocacy and maintains educational resources about choosing suppliers. Each year PURA sets a standard service rate for customers who do not choose a supplier; this rate changes twice a year based on wholesale market conditions. When you switch suppliers, your bill continues to come from your distribution company, but the “generation” line will show the supplier’s name and rate. You can return to standard service at the end of your contract or switch to another supplier without interruption in service.
Towns without deregulation:
There are a handful of towns in Connecticut where residents cannot choose an electricity supplier because the local electric utility is municipal. Municipal utilities are owned by the town or a special taxing district, and they handle both supply and delivery, often providing lower rates to their customers. According to the OCC and PURA, the municipal utilities in Connecticut are Groton Utilities, Norwich Public Utilities, Wallingford Electric Division, Bozrah Light & Power, Jewett City Department of Public Utilities (serving part of Griswold), South Norwalk Electric and Water (SNEW), and the Third Taxing District Electric Department in East Norwalk. Customers in these areas receive reliable service from their municipal utility but are not eligible to choose a third‑party supplier because these utilities provide bundled service. If you live in one of these communities, you can still shop for natural gas suppliers (if applicable) and should still explore energy efficiency and conservation measures to control your costs.
List of deregulated towns:
With the exception of the municipal utilities listed above, every other town in Connecticut is part of the deregulated market. Below is an alphabetical list of towns where residents and businesses can choose an electricity supplier. If your town is not on the municipal list, you can explore supply options today.
Andover, Ansonia, Ashford, Avon, Barkhamsted, Beacon Falls, Berlin, Bethany, Bethel, Bethlehem, Bloomfield, Bolton, Branford, Bridgeport, Bridgewater, Bristol, Brookfield, Brooklyn, Burlington, Canaan (Falls Village), Canterbury, Canton, Chaplin, Cheshire, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Colebrook, Columbia, Cornwall, Coventry, Cromwell, Danbury, Darien, Deep River, Derby, Durham, East Granby, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Hartford, East Haven, East Lyme, East Windsor, Eastford, Easton, Ellington, Enfield, Essex, Fairfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Goshen, Granby, Greenwich, Griswold (except the Jewett City borough), Guilford, Haddam, Hamden, Hartford, Hartland, Harwinton, Hebron, Kent, Killingly, Killingworth, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Litchfield, Lyme, Madison, Manchester, Mansfield, Marlborough, Meriden, Middlebury, Middlefield, Middletown, Milford, Monroe, Montville, Morris, Naugatuck, New Britain, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Hartford, New Haven, New London, New Milford, Newington, Newtown, North Branford, North Canaan, North Haven, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Orange, Oxford, Plainfield, Plainville, Plymouth, Pomfret, Portland, Preston, Prospect, Putnam, Redding, Ridgefield, Rocky Hill, Roxbury, Salem, Salisbury, Scotland, Seymour, Sharon, Shelton, Sherman, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Southington, Sprague, Stafford, Stamford, Sterling, Stonington, Stratford, Suffield, Thomaston, Thompson, Tolland, Torrington, Trumbull, Union, Vernon, Voluntown, Warren, Washington, Waterbury, Waterford, Watertown, West Hartford, West Haven, Westbrook, Weston, Westport, Wethersfield, Willington, Wilton, Winchester, Windham, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Wolcott, Woodbridge, and Woodbury.
Although Norwalk appears on the list of deregulated towns because the majority of the city is served by Eversource, two separate electric divisions operate within Norwalk: South Norwalk Electric and Water and the Third Taxing District Electric Department. Customers in those districts cannot shop for suppliers, while those in other parts of Norwalk can. Similarly, the borough of Jewett City in Griswold receives service from Jewett City Department of Public Utilities. If you reside in a community with a municipal electric division, contact your town hall or utility to confirm your eligibility before signing up with a supplier.
Choosing an electricity supplier:
Shopping for an electricity supplier is similar to comparing any other service: gather information, compare options and select the plan that best meets your needs. The first step is to know your current rate and usage. Review your most recent electric bill to see the standard service rate and your average monthly consumption in kilowatt‑hours (kWh). Next, visit the official Connecticut Rate Board or reputable comparison websites to view current offers. Suppliers typically provide fixed‑rate plans, where the price per kWh remains constant throughout the contract period, and variable‑rate plans, where the price can change each month based on market conditions. A fixed‑rate plan offers price stability and can protect you from spikes in the wholesale market, whereas a variable‑rate plan may be lower initially but could increase later. Carefully review the contract length, early termination fee, renewable energy content and any additional fees.
Once you have identified a plan that fits your budget and preferences, contact the supplier or enroll online. You will need your account number from your utility bill and sometimes a proof of residency. Your new supplier will coordinate with your utility to switch your supply service; you will not experience any interruption in power. After switching, continue to monitor your bills to ensure the rate you selected is applied correctly. Suppliers are required to send renewal notices prior to the end of your contract; if you do nothing, your plan may renew at a different rate. You can switch suppliers again or return to standard service without penalty at the end of your contract.
Additional considerations for businesses:
Commercial and industrial customers have unique needs and may benefit significantly from shopping for electricity supply. Because businesses often have higher demands and more complex load profiles, suppliers offer tailored solutions such as block‑and‑index pricing, load following and demand response programs. Working with an energy consultant or broker can help businesses navigate offers and negotiate customized contracts. In deregulated towns, municipalities and school districts have also leveraged supplier choice to lock in long‑term, budget‑friendly rates and green energy procurement. When evaluating commercial offers, be sure to review capacity and transmission cost pass‑through provisions, and inquire about opportunities for renewable energy credits and green power procurement.
Energy efficiency and conservation:
Regardless of which supplier you choose, using energy more efficiently is one of the most effective ways to reduce your electric bill. Connecticut utilities and suppliers offer programs that help customers save energy, such as Home Energy Solutions audits, rebates for high‑efficiency appliances, and incentives for insulation, air sealing and heat pump installations. Installing LED lighting, smart thermostats and ENERGY STAR appliances can significantly reduce consumption. Businesses can participate in demand response programs that reward customers for reducing usage during peak demand periods. Through efficiency and conservation, you can lower your bill and reduce strain on the grid, complementing the benefits of deregulation.
Consumer protections and resources:
The competitive supplier market in Connecticut is regulated to protect consumers from deceptive practices. Suppliers must be licensed by PURA, and they are required to disclose all terms and conditions of their offers in plain language. Marketing materials cannot contain misleading claims, and door‑to‑door marketers must follow strict rules. Customers have three business days to rescind a new contract without penalty. If you have a complaint about a supplier’s conduct, you can file a complaint with PURA or the OCC. The OCC’s Consumer Assistance Unit can help resolve billing disputes and provide guidance on switching. The Connecticut Rate Board website provides up‑to‑date supplier offers and educational materials to help you compare options.
Conclusion:
Connecticut’s deregulated electricity market empowers residents and businesses to take control of their energy supply. By understanding how deregulation works, knowing which towns are eligible and learning how to evaluate supplier offers, you can make informed choices that align with your budget and values. Except for a handful of towns served by municipal utilities, customers throughout the state can shop for competitive supply and explore renewable energy options. Use the list above to confirm whether your town is deregulated, and explore the supplier marketplace to find a plan that works for you. For additional guidance, consult the resources provided by the Office of Consumer Counsel, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Connecticut Rate Board. With knowledge and proactive decision‑making, you can navigate the energy landscape and take advantage of the benefits that deregulation offers.
Historical context and national perspective:
When Connecticut opened its electricity market to competition, it joined several other northeastern states in restructuring the electric industry. The movement toward deregulation gained momentum in the 1990s as policymakers sought to introduce market forces to an industry long dominated by regulated monopolies. Proponents argued that competition would drive innovation, lower prices and accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy. Opponents cautioned that deregulation could lead to price volatility and reduced investment in infrastructure. Ultimately, Connecticut adopted a hybrid model that retains regulated delivery service while allowing competition for supply. The state closely monitors the market to ensure reliability and consumer protection. It is worth noting that not all states have deregulated electricity markets; some, like California and Texas, have fully competitive markets with retail choice, while others, such as New York and Pennsylvania, offer choice within certain utilities’ territories. Understanding this broader context helps consumers appreciate the unique balance Connecticut has struck between competition and regulation.
Benefits beyond price:
While saving money is a primary motivator for many consumers who shop for electricity suppliers, there are other benefits to consider. Environmental impact is increasingly important to households and businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Many suppliers offer green power plans that source electricity from wind, solar or hydroelectric generators. Purchasing renewable energy not only supports the growth of clean power projects but also sends a market signal that there is demand for sustainable energy. Some suppliers provide energy efficiency tools, usage reports and mobile apps that give you insights into your consumption patterns. Others bundle value‑added services such as home protection plans, smart thermostats or rewards programs. Even if the immediate savings are modest, the added convenience and sustainability features can make switching worthwhile.
Profiles of municipal utilities:
Connecticut’s municipal utilities have long histories of serving their communities. Groton Utilities, founded in the early 1900s, supplies electricity to the City of Groton and adjacent areas. It operates its own generation and power purchases and is known for competitive rates and strong customer service. Norwich Public Utilities serves the City of Norwich and surrounding towns, offering electric, gas, water and sewer services. Wallingford Electric Division, established in 1899, supplies power to Wallingford and invests in local infrastructure with proceeds reinvested back into the community. Bozrah Light & Power Company, acquired by Groton Utilities, provides electricity to the town of Bozrah. The Jewett City Department of Public Utilities serves residents in the borough of Jewett City with electricity generated from a hydro facility on the Quinebaug River. South Norwalk Electric and Water and the Third Taxing District Electric Department operate within the City of Norwalk, supplying power and water to their respective districts. These utilities exemplify the municipal ownership model, emphasizing local control and community investment.
Frequently asked questions about deregulated energy:
Will my power go out if I switch suppliers? No. Your electric distribution company continues to deliver power and maintain the lines. If there is an outage, your utility is still responsible for restoration.
Is there a fee to switch suppliers? Most suppliers do not charge enrollment fees, but some contracts include early termination fees if you leave before the end of the term. Always read the terms and conditions.
How long does it take to switch? Typically, your new supply rate will appear on your bill in one to two billing cycles. The exact timing depends on your utility’s meter reading schedule.
Can I switch back to standard service? Yes. You can return to the standard service rate after your contract ends or by paying any applicable early termination fee. The utility cannot refuse your return.
Do suppliers perform credit checks? Some suppliers may review your payment history or credit profile to determine eligibility, while others do not. In Connecticut, deposits are generally not required for residential customers.
What happens if my supplier goes out of business? Your account will automatically revert to standard service, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
Glossary of key terms:
Generation – The production of electricity from primary energy sources such as natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar and hydro.
Transmission – The high‑voltage transfer of electricity from power plants to substations.
Distribution – The delivery of electricity at lower voltages from substations to homes and businesses.
Kilowatt (kW) – A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts, used to measure instantaneous electrical demand.
Kilowatt‑hour (kWh) – A unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power consumed for one hour, used for billing.
Load factor – A measure of how consistently electricity is used over a period, calculated as average load divided by peak load.
Demand charge – A component of some commercial electric bills based on the highest power draw during the billing period.
Fixed rate – A contract where the price per kWh remains constant for the duration of the term.
Variable rate – A contract where the price per kWh can change from month to month based on market conditions.
Renewable energy certificate (REC) – A tradable certificate that represents one megawatt‑hour of renewable electricity generated and delivered to the grid. Purchasing RECs helps support renewable energy development.
These terms, along with the definitions provided on our main Glossary of Terms page, will help you navigate the complexities of the energy industry. We encourage you to explore the glossary for more detailed explanations and to consult our Electricity Rates page to view the latest supplier offers. Together, these resources form a comprehensive toolkit for understanding your options and making informed decisions in Connecticut’s deregulated electricity market.
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