For Immediate Release
May 20, 2025
Bridgeport, CT — In a revealing new interview on WICC 600 AM, Chris Herb, President and CEO of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA), issued a strong warning about Senate Bill 1560, Section 550, now under consideration by the Connecticut General Assembly. Herb said the bill could allow utilities — with government support — to remotely control homeowners’ heating and cooling systems during periods of high electricity demand.
In the conversation with WICC’s veteran talk show host Paul Pacelli, Herb explained how state-funded incentives for electric heat pumps are being used as a “carrot” to push homeowners into signing away control of their thermostats through the installation of smart meters and connected technology.
“Next thing you know, it’s 96 degrees out, 85% humidity — and they’re taking your air conditioning and turning it up to 78,” Herb said. “This has already happened in Washington State. People couldn’t override it.”
The interview comes as lawmakers grapple with Connecticut’s soaring energy costs — some of the highest in the country — and explore proposed government incentives to entice people to switch to electric heat pumps without understanding all the facts. Herb also said in the interview that consumers are being misled by offers that sound financially attractive but could result in higher utility bills and a loss of autonomy to control the temperature inside their homes.
“Massachusetts gave out incentives for heat pumps, and some homeowners saw their heating bills more than double. Connecticut must learn from that before it’s too late,” Herb added.
Key Concerns Raised by Chris Herb:
- Section 550 of Senate Bill 1560 could allow remote utility control of thermostats.
- $25 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies tied to heat pump incentives come with fine print that could impact homeowner rights.
- Connecticut’s electric rates are already the highest in the U.S., making full electrification potentially more expensive for households.
- Smart technology installation may include legal agreements that cede temperature control to utilities or government during peak grid demand.
Herb, whose organization represents hundreds of family-owned energy businesses across the state, emphasized that while CEMA members install more electric heat pumps than anyone in Connecticut, not all homes are good candidates, especially in colder climates or those without open floor plans.
He urged residents to read the fine print and make informed energy decisions — not ones made under pressure by the government or without full transparency.
To Listen to the Full Interview:https://youtu.be/6aqfc0kgkD8