Pricing

The UI Standard Service Generation Rate decreased on July 1. This charge for the supply portion of the bill is adjusted each January and July. UI does not control the cost of electricity supply and does not profit from this service. It is a pass-through cost.

Most electricity supply is generated by natural gas and the price of electricity generated by natural gas can be impacted by:

• The demand for electricity and the pipeline capacity to move the natural gas to meet demand.
• The surge in the retail price of natural gas.
• World events such as volatile weather, wars, and economic instability which can disrupt supply chains and fossil fuel output.

UI Rates and Riders

• UI Rates effective on September 1, 2023, can be viewed and/or printed from the entire September Schedule of Rates (PDF). 
• To learn more about a particular rate, download a description (PDF) of its availability and charges from the SCHEDULE OF RATES AND RIDERS BY SECTION table at the bottom of this page.

Understanding Your Bill

Your electric bill has two major parts: Delivery and Supply.

• Delivery is the service that UI provides. We own and operate the system that safely and reliably delivers electricity to your home or business.
• Supply is the cost to create the electricity you use. UI does not generate supply. There is a competitive market to provide this service. If you buy supply service from UI, you pay what we pay, at no markup (“pass-through charge”). Alternatively, you can buy it from other suppliers and pay the rates they offer. 

No matter who you choose, we deliver the electricity to you and, for your convenience, include those charges in your monthly UI bill. 

We encourage you to review your bill to make sure you know who your supplier is and make the best choice for your household or business needs. Visit EnergizeCT to compare options and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UI Standard Service rate?

This is one of your supply options. Customers who do not select an electricity supplier are automatically assigned to UI’s Standard Service. You can compare prices and switch to an alternate supplier at any time. Shop for supply at EnergizeCT.

How is the price of Standard Service set?

The Company uses a competitive bidding process to determine the price for Standard Service. The price is set for 6-month terms each year: January 1 – June 30 and July 1 – December 31.

Does UI generate the electricity?

No. We do not own electricity generating plants. The electricity supply is purchased from wholesale power marketing companies. We provide the electricity to you for the purchase price – there is no mark-up.

Why does the UI Standard Service price change – what causes it to go up or down?

Your monthly bill is affected by the price of energy and the amount of energy you use. Your energy costs include the delivery cost from us and the cost of supply (set by the supplier you’ve chosen).

Cost of electricity in the northeast is tied to the market price of US natural gas – the fuel used to generate electricity. As demand for natural gas increases, so does the price. Similarly, when demand decreases, prices may fall.

The price of electricity generated by natural gas can be impacted by:

• The demand for electricity and the pipeline capacity to move the natural gas to meet demand.
• The weather which can drive demand and impact the delivery of natural gas.
• Supply chain issues which can impact delivery of critical parts needed to service equipment.
• World events such as the war in Ukraine.

How can other suppliers offer a lower rate?

Although retail suppliers buy from the same place as UI, there’s a difference in how it’s purchased and contracted.

• Retail suppliers buy from the market for immediate delivery, where delivery and payment normally take place “on the spot.”
• UI buys from the market for future delivery, where delivery and payment is expected in the future. 

When spot prices are low retail suppliers can offer a lower rate. When spot prices are high the UI Standard Service price is generally lower. Compare prices and shop for supply at EnergizeCT to find the price that meets your needs.

How can we have lower rates in July when they just increased in January 2023?

The price for the January through June term will almost always be higher than the prices for the July through December term. In the winter natural gas is in high demand for heating. More expensive liquified natural gas and higher-cost generation must be used to meet electrical demand, driving the price up.

What can I do to save money?

1. Shop for supply. Your current provider is listed on the front of your UI bill. Compare prices and choose the plan that works for you. Go to EnergizeCT.
2. Reduce your usage. The Company offers a variety of products and programs that can help you use less energy. Get started here today!
3. Seek assistance. You may qualify for payment assistance to help manage your monthly bill. Review our assistance programs and contact us to enroll. We are here to help.

Residential Rates RT & R

UI offers two rates for residential customers: Rate RT and Rate R.

• Rate RT is our time-of-day rate for residential customers. From noon until 8 p.m. weekdays (the peak period), the electricity you use costs more than electricity used at other times.
• Rate R provides a constant charge for the electricity you use regardless of when you use it. Day, night, weekend or weekday, it is the same price. There is a twice-yearly price adjustment from the winter to the summer peak period and back.

Low-Income Discount Rate

Our Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) is available to residential customers  to help them manage their electric bill. Beginning no later than the January 2024 bill cycle, eligible customers can receive a 10% (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2) on their current monthly charges. For example, if current monthly charges total $100, a $10 or $50 credit would be applied to the  bill. 

For more information on eligibility guidelines and how to apply, visit uinet.com/LIDR. 

UI Standard Service/Last Resort Generation Rates

Below are the off- and on-peak hours for each day of the week. The table shows UI Standard Service rates and Last Resort rates effective January 1, 2023.

• On-Peak Hours:  Monday through Friday, 12 noon - 8 p.m.
• Off-Peak Hours:  Monday through Friday, 8 p.m. - 12 noon and all day Saturday and Sunday

Virtual Net Metering Application - Effective September 2, 2014

Important Notice: Applicants seeking approval for use of a Virtual Net Metering Facility or Agricultural Net Metering Facility should submit the Virtual Net Metering Application and Forms (see Optional Services at the bottom of the page) along with all required documentation and verification to the Company on or after September 2, 2014. Filing instructions are contained within the documents to assist Applicants in the application process. In particular, please note that the Company requires all Applications, including exhibits and attachments, to be submitted electronically and in hard copy.

Applications should be submitted by mail and electronically by email:

• Mail - Hard-copy applications should be submitted to Mark P. Colca, Manager, Pricing at The United Illuminating Company | 180 Marsh Hill Rd., MS AD-2A | Orange | Connecticut 06477-3629.
• email - Electronic applications, including exhibits and attachment should be emailed to Mark P. Colca. 

UI Schedule of Rates & Riders

Below is a complete listing of UI’s current schedule of rates and riders as approved by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA). We've made it convenient for you to view and/or print a PDF of any section of the schedule by clicking the title for the specific rate.

If you would like to view and/or print the entire schedule of rates and riders, download the Schedule of Rates and Riders (PDF).

SCHEDULE OF RATES AND RIDERS BY SECTION

General

Electric Supplier Index

Residential

Commercial/Industrial

Street Lighting

Interruptibles

Lease

Optional Services