Graphic by Carolyn Chen ’25/The Choate News
By Liana Alkhayer ’28 Reporter
Connecticut faces rising electricity bills and, as a result, growing frustration among residents. “It’s absolutely insane. It’s more than most people’s mortgages,” Scott Pearson, a Connecticut resident, said during an interview with News 8 WTNH. Amid this turmoil, Wallingford Electric stands out by offering competitive rates and town-controlled solutions aimed at easing the burden on households and businesses.
Unlike most Connecticut towns, whose electricity comes from major companies like Eversource and the United Illuminating Company (owned by Avangrid), Wallingford Electric is a town-run utility. Founded in 1899 following anger over the cost of gas-fired street lamps in Wallingford, electricity has been administered by Wallingford’s Public Utilities Commission ever since. Other towns never made the switch and have become reliant on outside providers. This unique structure allows Wallingford Electric to prioritize community needs over profit. As a public utility, it reinvests revenue back into local infrastructure, focusing on customer satisfaction and transparency, while larger providers are often criticized for hidden fees.
Wallingford Electric’s residential rates range from ¢12.32 to ¢12.93 per kilowatt-hour, allowing homeowners to select plans tailored to their needs. On the other hand, prices from Connecticut’s larger electric companies rose up to ¢24.172 per kilowatt-hour in 2023.
Shawn Reilly, co-owner of golf course and restaurant Back 9 Social in Wallingford, highlighted the significant impact of Wallingford Electric’s competitive rates on local businesses. “It’s not just a little bit cheaper; it’s considerably cheaper than other areas for sure,” he said.
Flexible commercial rates help businesses effectively meet their energy demands. A standout feature of the company is Wallingford Electric’s Power Cost Adjustment (PCA), which allows for periodic billing adjustments based on market conditions, keeping customers informed and engaged. Wallingford Electric also offers a variety of energy-saving incentives, including programs that encourage energy-efficient choices and free home evaluations with electric heating, helping residents identify areas for improvement.
Beyond traditional efficiency measures, Wallingford Electric also promotes renewable energy initiatives, offering financial support for solar panels and geothermal heat pumps. Their annual free compact fluorescent light bulb distribution fosters an environmentally friendly community.
“We have a lot of electricity that goes into the building, and … we were getting a good price for the electricity,” Mr. Reilly said.
As Wallingford Electric navigates the evolving energy landscape, its focus on affordability, transparency, and community engagement positions it as a trusted partner for residents facing economic challenges. By prioritizing customer needs, Wallingford Electric distinguishes itself as a model of effective public utility management.
