FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2025
HARTFORD, CT — In a letter sent to Governor Ned Lamont, the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA) called for immediate action to halt state-funded programs and incentives promoting electric heat pumps, citing alarming new data showing skyrocketing heating costs for consumers and increased strain on the electric grid.
CEMA President and CEO, Chris Herb, pointed to a recent Regional Electricity Outlook published by ISO New England, which warned of “energy adequacy challenges” due to the accelerated push to electrify the heating and transportationsectors. The report raises red flags about whether the region’s electric grid can reliably meet growing demand.
“Connecticut’s push to transition households from traditional fuels to electric heat pumps may be well-intentioned, but it’s proving costly — both for our residents and our power infrastructure,” said Herb. “Real people are seeing their heating bills more than double and the grid is being pushed to a breaking point.”
A recent investigation by Boston’s ABC affiliate, WCVB, highlighted the financial toll on homeowners. One household that replaced natural gas with an electric heat pump saw their winter heating costs jump from $791.59 for the entire season to $853.81 in just a single month. Another customer who switched from oil to a heat pump faced a one-month spike from $443 to $709. Both customers used solar panels and/or wood-burning stoves as supplemental sources hoping to offset the high costs of electric heat pumps, and it made no difference.
Herb warned that in Connecticut, where electric rates are even higher than in Massachusetts, the impact could be more severe. “We’re seeing proof that these conversions are not economically sustainable for the average family, especially when you factor in Connecticut’s higher electric rates,” he said.
In his letter to Governor Lamont, Herb outlined a three-point plan urging the administration to:
- Reject new funding for electric heat pump programs in the upcoming budget, which was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee.
- Veto legislation that prioritizes heat pumps over clean, grid-independent fuels such as Bioheat fuel and renewable propane.
- Direct state agencies (DEEP) to suspend electrification initiatives pending a full review of their economic and grid impacts.
“Affordable, renewable fuels like Bioheat and renewable propane offer a grid-independent alternative that reduces emissions, cuts costs, and protects reliability,” said Herb. “We urge Governor Lamont to reconsider the current electrification strategy before further damage is done to family budgets and grid stability. Offering subsidies to convert to heat pumps is a bait and switch strategy that will cost consumers and our state dearly.”
Connecticut is home to more than 600 family-owned heating fuel businesses committed to helping the state lower emissions and reduce energy costs without overburdening the electric grid by delivering low carbon liquid fuels and no added cost to consumers.
About the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association:
The Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA) represents approximately 600 local, family-owned heating fuel businesses committed to delivering affordable, sustainable energy solutions for Connecticut homes and businesses.