By Associated Press - Wednesday, March 10, 2021

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut reached an agreement with United Illuminating to provide rebates to the electric utility’s customers as part of the state’s COVID-19 relief efforts.

The state’s second-largest electricity distributer agreed to offer credits totaling $46.5 million and to keep base distribution rates unchanged until at least 2023, the governor’s office announced Wednesday.

The deal is subject to review and approval by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

The agreement calls for UI to contribute $5 million and the accelerated return to customers $41.55 million in savings the company enjoyed from federal tax cuts.

The money is designed to offset 5% to 8% increases in bills expected on May 1, 2021, due to federally mandated transmission charges and the costs of the Millstone power purchase agreement, the governor’s office said.

“For families and businesses who have been struggling with high energy costs during the pandemic, this agreement promises more affordable, predictable rates,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.

UI serves about 335,000 customers in the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas.

The state is also talking to Eversource, which has about four million customers.

“It makes such a difference to have corporate leadership firmly committed to Connecticut,” state Attorney General William Tong said. “Eversource, the ball is in your court now.”

In other coronavirus related news:

NURSING HOME WORKERS

More than 100 workers at long-term care facilities blocked traffic in Hartford on Wednesday to demand better wages and benefits, as well as a solution to the staff shortages that are affecting an industry hit hard by the pandemic.

According to the health care union District 1199 New England, SEIU, 18 unionized long-term care workers have died from COVID-19 and more have lost loved ones to the disease or have suffered permanent damage. Meanwhile, workers continue to risk death or serious illness on a daily basis, the union said.

“Returning to normal is simply not an option,” said the union, which is demanding the state set aside more funding in the new two-year state budget to ultimately provide the workers with higher wages they can live on, access to affordable health insurance, retirement options and paid time off.

“Long-term workers have gone beyond the extra mile to continue providing services during COVID-19 at great risk to themselves and their families,” the union added.

The workers blocked traffic outside the Department of Social Services offices.

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OUTDOOR CEREMONY

Quinnipiac University announced that it plans to hold outdoor commencement ceremonies in May for both the class of 2021 and the class of 2020, which had its in-person commencement postponed because of the pandemic.

University President Judy Olian said students will be allowed to bring two guests to each commencement.

The 2021 ceremonies are planned for the weekend of May 8 on the Quad of the Mount Carmel Campus. The 2020 ceremonies are planned in the same location for the weekend of May 15.

Students who wish to attend the 2020 ceremonies are asked to register by March 20.

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