Small businesses in Connecticut are experiencing a significant increase in electricity bills, with some seeing a jump of 50 percent or more. Leed Himmel Industries, a manufacturing company in Hamden, has seen their electricity costs rise from 20 cents to 35 cents per kilowatt hour in just a few years. President Howard Goldfarb has tried to improve energy efficiency at the plant but is still facing soaring electricity costs. The increase in public benefits charges, including agreements with the Millstone nuclear plant and COVID costs, has contributed to the higher bills.
Goldfarb has warned customers of an energy surcharge to offset some costs but is struggling to manage the increased expenses. He is uncertain how much more rate increases his business can withstand, stating that it may become unsustainable. A spokesperson from United Illuminating explained that the bill increases are driven by out-of-state energy generator companies and state policymakers.
Goldfarb is calling for the elimination of some charges to help alleviate the burden on small businesses. Manufacturers in Connecticut can benefit from some tax exemptions for energy costs, but many are feeling the strain of the recent electricity price hikes.
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