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Connecticut · Updated August 2026
United Illuminating rates in 2026
What United Illuminating customers are actually paying, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill. Serving New Haven, Bridgeport, Milford, Orange, West Haven, Shelton and the greater New Haven and Bridgeport areas.
11.95¢Standard Service supply rate, effective July 1, 2026Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
The numbers
Where United Illuminating stands right now
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Service supply | 11.9473¢ | Effective July 1, 2026 |
| Previous rate | 13.695¢ | January 1 – June 30, 2026 |
| Change on July 1 | −13% | Plus a May 1 public benefits adjustment |
| Typical 700 kWh bill change | −$50/mo | About an 18% decrease |
| Parent company | Avangrid | Also operates NYSEG and RG&E in New York |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
What is actually driving this
Rates fell this summer — we are not going to pretend otherwise
United Illuminating's Standard Service rate dropped from 13.695¢ to 11.9473¢ on July 1, 2026, about 13%. Paired with a May 1 public benefits adjustment, a typical residential household saw roughly $50 a month in relief. That is genuine, and it is scheduled to reset again on January 1.
The winter reset is the pattern
UI's winter 2026 rate rose to 13.695¢, roughly a 17% increase on the supply side. New England relies on natural gas for both heating and generation, and winter demand tightens supply. The January reset has reflected that in most recent years.
The Public Benefits Charge
Connecticut adds a state-mandated public benefits charge to delivery. It was reduced in September using state bonding funds, which is a meaningful part of why summer 2026 bills fell. That was a legislative decision rather than a market one.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
United Illuminating questions
The things people actually ask
Did UI rates go down?
Yes. Standard Service fell from 13.695¢ to 11.9473¢ on July 1, 2026 — about 13% — and a public benefits adjustment on May 1 took a typical 700 kWh bill down roughly $50 a month.
Then why consider solar?
Because the rate resets every six months and the January reset has risen in most recent years. UI's winter 2026 supply rate was about 17% higher than the prior period. Solar prices power for a term rather than six months at a time.
Am I on Standard Service?
Look at the first page of your bill. If your supplier is listed as United Illuminating, you are on Standard Service. If it names a third party, these rates do not apply to you directly.
Is Connecticut a good solar market?
Connecticut has among the highest electricity costs in the continental United States. The per-kilowatt-hour math here beats many sunnier states with cheap power.
See what your roof and United Illuminating actually add up to
About 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation, and we will tell you if solar does not make sense for your home.
Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · 20,000+ installations · Licensed installers