How Wallingford's town-owned electric utility compares to Eversource and UI — and what it means for your bill
Overview
Wallingford is one of only six municipalities in Connecticut that operates its own electric utility. The Wallingford Electric Division has served the town since 1899, and residential customers consistently pay less per kilowatt-hour than their neighbors on Eversource or United Illuminating. Here's how the utility works, what you actually pay, and how the savings add up.
The Rate Comparison
Bottom line: A typical Wallingford household using 700 kWh per month pays approximately $119 per month — compared to roughly $200 on Eversource and $252 on UI. That's an estimated savings of $970–$1,600 per year.
|
Wallingford Electric |
Eversource CT |
United Illuminating |
| Rate per kWh (approx.) |
17¢ |
28.5¢ |
36¢ |
| Typical monthly bill (700 kWh) |
$119 |
~$200 |
~$252 |
| Estimated annual cost |
$1,428 |
~$2,400 |
~$3,024 |
| Annual savings vs. Wallingford |
— |
~$970 |
~$1,596 |
Rates shown are approximate total costs (supply + delivery) based on published utility data and third-party rate trackers as of early 2026. Eversource supply rate is 12.641¢/kWh effective January 1, 2026; UI supply rate is 13.695¢/kWh effective January 1, 2026. Delivery and other charges are included in the total estimates. Actual bills vary based on usage, rate class, and seasonal adjustments.
⚠️ VERIFICATION NOTE: These rate comparisons use the best available published data as of February 2026. Wallingford Electric's 17¢/kWh figure is based on third-party rate tracker data (NuWatt Energy). Eversource and UI supply rates are confirmed via PURA filings and utility websites. Delivery charges are estimated from average bill data. All figures should be verified against current bills before publication.
How Wallingford Electric Works
The Wallingford Electric Division traces its roots to 1899, when the former borough of Wallingford established a municipal power company by special act. The town had voted overwhelmingly in favor — 339 to 12 — at a town meeting on February 12, 1895, and construction began in February 1899 with $45,000 borrowed at 3.5 percent interest.
Today, the Electric Division is part of the Town of Wallingford's Department of Public Utilities, which also oversees the Water and Sewer Divisions. It's governed by a Board of Public Utilities Commissioners — three resident electors appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Town Council, serving three-year terms. No more than two commissioners may belong to the same political party.
The Board sets rates, manages operations, and can enter into contracts and power purchase agreements (up to ten years). The Town Council retains oversight and veto authority. By state law, the utility's rates must allow it to earn a net profit of 5% to 8% on its plant investment — but unlike investor-owned utilities, those profits stay in the town.
Wallingford Electric is the largest municipal electric utility in Connecticut and serves approximately 25,000 customers in Wallingford and a portion of Northford.
Why It's Cheaper
The structural advantages of a municipal utility are significant:
- No shareholder profits. Eversource and UI are investor-owned utilities that must generate returns for shareholders. Wallingford Electric's surplus stays in the community.
- Local control over power purchasing. The utility negotiates its own power purchase agreements, which can result in more favorable pricing.
- Lower overhead. A smaller, locally managed operation avoids layers of corporate overhead.
- Local infrastructure management. Wallingford maintains its own lines, poles, and equipment with local crews, giving it more direct control over costs and maintenance scheduling.
- Tax-exempt status. As a municipal entity, the utility is exempt from federal income taxes and certain state taxes that investor-owned utilities must pay and pass on to ratepayers.
Service Area & Eligibility
Wallingford Electric serves all of Wallingford and a portion of Northford (in North Branford). If you live within the service area, Wallingford Electric is your default utility — it's not a choice you make, it's simply the provider for the territory.
If you move to Wallingford, you'll automatically be served by the Electric Division. Contact their customer service at (203) 294-2020 to set up your account before your move-in date.
Wallingford Electric customers do not have the option to choose an alternative electricity supplier the way Eversource or UI customers can — but given the rate advantage, there's little reason to want to.
Reliability
One of the less-discussed advantages of Wallingford Electric is reliability — particularly during major storms.
During Tropical Storm Irene (August 2011), approximately 5,300 of Wallingford's 25,000 customers lost power. The utility's 60 workers pulled 16-hour shifts and reduced outages to 2,300 customers within one day. Within three days, only 400 customers remained without power. Total storm damage was estimated at $800,000.
By comparison, CL&P (now Eversource) had nearly 800,000 customers without power across its territory and faced weeks-long restoration times and widespread criticism.
The key advantages during storm response:
- Local crews. Wallingford's workers live in or near town and can respond faster.
- Smaller territory. A compact service area means shorter response times and less infrastructure to repair.
- Financial reserves. The utility maintained healthy cash reserves and avoided rate increases after Irene, absorbing storm costs without passing them to customers.
Managing Your Account
Customer Service: (203) 294-2020
24-Hour Power Outages & Emergencies: (203) 265-5055
Office Location: 100 John Street, Wallingford, CT
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Online Bill Payment: Wallingford Electric uses InvoiceCloud for online bill viewing and payment, accessible through the town's website.
Starting or Stopping Service: Contact Customer Service at (203) 294-2020 during business hours. You'll need to provide your move-in/move-out date and service address.
Key Contacts:
- General Manager (Jake Arborio): (203) 294-2265
- Business Office Manager (Marianne Dill): (203) 294-2030
- Customer Relations Supervisor (Laura Patterson): (203) 294-2020
Solar & Net Metering
Wallingford Electric Division does support net metering for residential solar installations. The utility has two relevant policies:
- Policy E-6: Renewable Energy Policy
- Policy E-8: Policy for Administering Customer-Owned Net-Metered Renewable Energy Installations
These policies are available on the Electric Division's Policies and Forms page on the town website. As a municipal utility, Wallingford sets its own net metering rules independently — they may differ from Eversource or UI policies in terms of caps, credits, and interconnection requirements.
Wallingford Electric does not currently offer utility-specific solar rebates, though Connecticut state incentives (up to $2,000) may still apply. Contact the Electric Division directly to discuss solar interconnection before installing panels.
Tips & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much cheaper is Wallingford Electric compared to Eversource?
Based on available rate data as of early 2026, Wallingford Electric's total rate of approximately 17¢/kWh is significantly lower than Eversource's estimated total of around 28.5¢/kWh. For a household using 700 kWh per month, that works out to roughly $80 per month in savings, or about $970 per year. Note that rates change periodically — Wallingford adjusts its Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) every six months, and Eversource's supply rate changes January 1 and July 1.
Q: Can I choose Wallingford Electric if I live in Wallingford?
You don't need to choose it — if your home is in Wallingford's service territory (which covers the entire town and a portion of Northford), Wallingford Electric is automatically your utility. There is no enrollment process; you simply contact them to start service when you move in.
Q: Do Wallingford Electric customers have to pay the same surcharges as Eversource customers?
No. Wallingford Electric has its own rate structure, which includes its own set of charges and adjustments (including a Power Cost Adjustment and Energy Conservation Fund charges). Wallingford customers do not pay the same delivery charges, public benefits charges, or other surcharges that appear on Eversource or UI bills. This is one reason the total cost per kWh is lower.
Q: Does Wallingford Electric support solar panels?
Yes. Wallingford Electric offers net metering for customer-owned solar installations under its E-6 and E-8 policies. The specifics of credit rates and interconnection requirements are set by the utility independently. Contact the Electric Division at (203) 294-2020 to discuss your solar project before installation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electric rates change frequently — verify current rates with the utility directly before making financial decisions.
Know something we missed? Email tips@thequinnipiacpost.com to help us keep this guide up to date.
