Eversource and UI Discuss Payment Delays and Solar Cost Disparities

The recent technical meeting held by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in Connecticut on July 24, 2025, focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES) program, particularly in its fifth year. Key topics included payment processing delays, cost disparities between electric distribution companies (EDCs), and concerns regarding customer experiences with solar installations.

One significant point of discussion was the difference in payment processing times between Eversource and United Illuminating (UI). Eversource representatives indicated that they typically do not experience delays in processing application fees, as these are integrated into their PowerClerk system. In contrast, UI has faced challenges in this area, leading to questions about the efficiency of their processes.

The meeting also highlighted a notable increase in upfront solar installation costs for UI compared to Eversource for the years 2024 and 2025. While 2023 costs were more comparable, the reasons behind this disparity remain unclear. Eversource noted that the differences in fees are largely market-based and depend on the territories served by the developers. They suggested that inquiries regarding these fees would be better directed to the developer community.

Concerns were raised about potential misleading practices by contractors selling solar systems to customers. Eversource acknowledged that while they do not directly observe interactions between customers and installers, they have encountered instances where customers may have been sold systems that are not economically beneficial. One example cited involved a low-income customer who signed a lease for a solar system at a rate significantly higher than the average utility rate, raising questions about the adequacy of the information provided during the sales process.

The meeting concluded with a call for further stakeholder engagement to address these issues, particularly regarding the accessibility of solar solutions for low-income customers. Eversource emphasized the importance of ensuring that solar installations are indeed the best option for all customers, advocating for a broader consideration of energy efficiency measures that could provide better savings.

Overall, the discussions at the PURA meeting underscored the complexities of the solar market in Connecticut and the need for ongoing evaluation of both customer experiences and the regulatory framework governing solar energy solutions.