Eversource Connecticut for Cannabis Facilities: Rate 30 Through 58 and Manufacturer Classification
Eversource (Connecticut Light and Power) serves about 149 of Connecticut's 169 towns including Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury, and hosts almost every cultivation facility outside the UI coastal strip. Commercial classes run Rate 30 under 200 kW, Rate 56 and 58 for large non-manufacturers billed per kVA, and Rates 55/57 for manufacturers. Switching supply replaces Standard Service; Eversource delivery demand stays.
Service area
Eversource (The Connecticut Light and Power Company) serves about 149 of Connecticut's 169 towns [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury, and most cultivation sites outside the UI coastal strip sit in this territory [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. DCP counts 27 cultivation credentials statewide, most on Eversource [ct-credential-count].
Commercial rate schedules
| Rate | Eligibility | Key demand charges (May 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Rate 30 | Max demand under 200 kW | $14.22/kW dist over 2 kW, $3.78/kW ESI, $12.84/kW transmission, $1.47/kW CTA [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
| Rate 35 | Under 200 kW, $270 customer charge | $8.69/kW dist, $14.58/kW transmission [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
| Rate 56 | 350-999 kW, non-manufacturer | $7.91/kVA dist, $14.93/kVA transmission [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
| Rate 58 | 1,000 kW+, non-manufacturer | $7.53/kVA dist, $17.04/kVA transmission [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
Rates 56/58 assign class on annual maximum demand [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. TOU peak hours: weekdays noon to 8 p.m. [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Standard Service and supply choice
Customers under 500 kW on Standard Service receive supply reset every January 1 and July 1 [energizect-rate-board-business]. Rate 30 Standard Service is 11.229 cents/kWh for July through December 2026 [energizect-rate-board-business].
Competitive supply replaces the Standard Service line under consolidated billing. Delivery demand on Rate 30 or 56 stays on the Eversource bill [energizect-rate-board-business].
Cultivation example on Rate 30
Assume 200 kW peak (input): distribution demand 198 kW x $14.22 = $2,816/month plus transmission 198 kW x $12.84 = $2,542/month [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Demand alone exceeds $64,000/year before energy.
Efficiency programs
EnergizeCT Energy Opportunities offers up to 40 percent of installed cost for LED, HVAC, chillers, and custom measures [energizect-energy-opportunities].
Interconnection and class migration
Rate 56 and 58 assign class on annual maximum demand [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Canopy expansion that raises peak can move a site from Rate 30 to Rate 56 in a later year [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Request preliminary service studies when design passes sixty percent electrical [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Crossing 500 kW monthly demand moves default supply from Standard Service to Last Resort Service [energizect-rate-board-business].
Manufacturer vs non-manufacturer confirmation
Rates 55 and 57 are for manufacturers only [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Cannabis cultivation and extraction are typically non-manufacturer unless Eversource assigns otherwise [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Transmission demand on Rate 58 non-manufacturer exceeds manufacturer paths by more than $2/kVA [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Get classification in writing before sizing service [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
PURA supply enrollment
PURA-licensed suppliers enroll CL&P accounts on consolidated billing in most cases [ct-pura-choose-supplier]. Switching replaces Standard Service supply; delivery demand stays [energizect-rate-board-business]. Annual electricity reporting under Section 21a-421m uses the same meter data [ct-reraca-chapter-420h].
Rate 35 and the customer charge tradeoff
Rate 35 Intermediate General Service also serves maximum demand under 200 kW but carries a $270 monthly customer charge in exchange for lower per-kW distribution demand at $8.69/kW [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. A facility with high demand relative to energy may pay less on Rate 35 than Rate 30; a facility with moderate peaks and high kWh may not [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Run both schedules against twelve months of interval data before requesting a class change [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Rate 30 also bills an Electric System Improvements demand charge of $3.78/kW and a Competitive Transition Assessment of $1.47/kW on demand above 2 kW [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Those riders sit on the delivery bill whether you shop supply or stay on Standard Service [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Time-of-day pricing on Rate 27 and 37
Eversource time-of-day Standard Service for Rate 27 and Rate 37 bills 13.374 cents/kWh on peak and 10.374 cents/kWh off-peak for July through December 2026 [energizect-rate-board-business]. Peak hours are weekdays noon to 8 p.m., or 1 to 9 p.m. during daylight saving time [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Cultivation facilities with flat 18-on lighting may see more peak kWh than a retail store on Rate GS at UI [energizect-rate-board-business]. Compare TOU Standard Service against flat supplier contracts using interval data, not nameplate wattage alone [energizect-rate-board-business].
FMCC delivery offset
Eversource's Connecticut rate summary notes a negative FMCC Delivery Charge per kWh that currently offsets part of the delivery bill [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. FMCC can change when PURA updates riders. When comparing supplier offers, separate the FMCC line from delivery energy and demand so you do not double-count a credit [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
ISO-NE and capacity on CL&P bills
Connecticut is entirely inside ISO New England [energizect-rate-board-business]. Capacity and transmission costs pass through on the Eversource delivery bill for demand-metered accounts [energizect-rate-board-business]. Supplier quotes may bundle or pass through capacity differently. Read fixed vs index contracts before signing a multi-year deal on a Rate 56 account [energizect-rate-board-business].
Cultivation sizing and service requests
DCP requires cultivator licenses to include at least 15,000 square feet of grow space; micro-cultivators run 2,000 to 10,000 square feet with 5,000 square foot annual expansion rights [ct-credential-count]. Electrical service for a 15,000 square foot indoor build often lands on Rate 56 or Rate 58 non-manufacturer unless Eversource assigns manufacturer status under Rates 55 or 57 [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Request a preliminary service study when design passes sixty percent electrical completion [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Crossing 500 kW monthly demand moves default supply from Standard Service to Last Resort Service with monthly pricing [energizect-rate-board-business].
Climate load in CL&P territory
Connecticut averages 5,849 heating degree days and 607 cooling degree days statewide [noaa-cag-connecticut]. Inland CL&P sites see long heating seasons for envelope loss and winter dehumidification, with summer dew points in the Connecticut River valley reaching the upper 60s to low 70s F [noaa-cag-connecticut]. Dehumidification often sets summer peak kW on Rate 30 before lighting nameplate suggests [noaa-cag-connecticut]. EnergizeCT rebates for HVAC and dehumidification apply on delivery accounts after supply switch [energizect-energy-opportunities].
Worked example: Rate 56 non-manufacturer
Assume a Waterbury cultivation facility on Rate 56 with 420 kVA annual maximum demand and 2.2 million kWh per year (inputs):
| Line item | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Distribution demand | 420 kVA x $7.91/kVA = $3,322/month [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
| Transmission demand | 420 kVA x $14.93/kVA = $6,271/month [eversource-ct-rates-2026] |
| Combined demand | About $9,593/month or $115,000/year before energy (assumed) |
| Standard Service if under 500 kW | 2,200,000 kWh x $0.11229 = $247,038/year supply [energizect-rate-board-business] |
Reducing annual maximum demand from 420 kVA to 380 kVA saves about $22,000 per year in combined demand charges in this example (assumed math). Last Resort Service applies if monthly demand reaches 500 kW [energizect-rate-board-business].
Annual electricity reporting
RERACA requires cannabis establishments to file annual electricity usage under C.G.S. Section 21a-421m [ct-reraca-chapter-420h]. Use the same twelve-month billing export for PURA supplier enrollment and DCP compliance [ct-reraca-chapter-420h].
Rate 35 versus Rate 30 under 200 kW
Rate 35 Intermediate General Service targets accounts under 200 kW with a $270 customer charge and $8.69/kW distribution demand [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Rate 30 bills $14.22/kW distribution over 2 kW plus ESI, transmission, and CTA [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Cultivators approaching 200 kW should model both schedules on expected peak and annual kWh [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Interconnection for Rate 56 and 58
Rate 56 serves non-manufacturers from 350 kW to under 1,000 kW; Rate 58 serves 1,000 kW and above [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Customer charges on Rate 58 scale from $1,100 to $4,200 by size [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Primary service studies should start when cultivation design passes sixty percent electrical [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. EnergizeCT custom measures can offset chiller and dehumidification capital if scoped with utility engineers first [energizect-energy-opportunities].
FMCC delivery offset and supplier quotes
Connecticut Eversource bills may show a negative FMCC Delivery Charge per kWh [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Supplier offers quote supply kWh only; they do not remove FMCC or other delivery riders [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Compare supplier cents per kWh to the Standard Service supply line, not total bill divided by kWh [energizect-rate-board-business].
Manufacturer versus non-manufacturer classification
Rates 55 and 57 are reserved for manufacturers; Rates 56 and 58 serve non-manufacturers with higher per-kVA transmission demand [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Cannabis cultivation and extraction should confirm classification before sizing service because transmission demand alone differs by more than two dollars per kVA between classes [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Time-of-day peak is weekdays noon to 8 p.m., 1 to 9 p.m. in daylight time [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Supplier choice on consolidated bills
PURA requires licensed suppliers to enroll through Eversource billing with consolidated invoices in typical commercial contracts [ct-pura-choose-supplier]. Escalate supply line variances before auto-pay runs [ct-pura-supplier-handbook].
Additional procurement and tariff notes
Negative FMCC Delivery Charge per kWh on some bills offsets part of delivery energy [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Supplier quotes address supply kWh only [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Compare cents per kWh on the supply line, not total bill divided by kWh [energizect-rate-board-business].
Additional load and utility notes
Time-of-day peak for Rate 27 and 37 is weekdays noon to 8 p.m., 1 to 9 p.m. daylight time [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Cultivation and retail loads overlapping peak hours should model TOU Standard Service before flat supplier contracts [energizect-rate-board-business].
Additional load and utility notes
Interconnection for Rate 58 above 1,000 kW requires customer charges from $1,100 to $4,200 by size [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Primary service studies should align with DCP buildout milestones [ct-credential-count].
Witness test and load letter timing
Submit load letters during lease option period in Rate 56 and 58 territories [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Witness tests should energize representative simultaneous HVAC and lighting load [eversource-ct-rates-2026]. Partial energization can assign lower class that reclassifies upward after expansion [eversource-ct-rates-2026].
Where to go next
United Illuminating, commercial rates, cultivation energy, switching guide, and demand charges explained.
Frequently asked questions
What territory does Eversource Connecticut cover?
About 149 of 169 towns including Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk, and Danbury. Almost every cultivation facility outside the New Haven-Bridgeport corridor is here.
What rate fits a 180 kW grow?
Rate 30 Small General Service with max demand under 200 kW. Distribution demand bills at $14.22/kW over 2 kW plus transmission at $12.84/kW as of May 2026.
Why does manufacturer classification matter?
Rates 55 and 57 serve manufacturers. Cultivation and extraction classified as non-manufacturers use Rates 56 or 58 with higher per-kVA transmission demand.
What is Standard Service on Rate 30 for 2026?
11.229 cents/kWh for July through December 2026 on the EnergizeCT Rate Board.
When does Last Resort Service apply?
At 500 kW monthly demand and above, replacing Standard Service with monthly pricing.
Are EnergizeCT rebates available after switching supply?
Yes. Energy Opportunities incentives apply to Eversource delivery customers regardless of supply choice.
Related reading
- Connecticut Cannabis Energy: PURA Retail Choice, Standard Service, and DCP-Licensed Facilities
Connecticut cannabis power: PURA choice on Eversource and UI, Standard Service benchmarks, and 19.62 cents/kWh commercial average.
- Connecticut Commercial Electricity Rates for Cannabis Facilities: Standard Service, Eversource Classes, and ISO-NE
Connecticut commercial power at 19.62 cents/kWh vs U.S. average, Eversource Rate 30-58 demand charges, Standard Service at 11.229 cents/kWh, and LRS at 500 kW.
- Connecticut Cannabis Cultivation Energy: Manufacturer Rate Classes, Summer Humidity, and Standard Service
Connecticut indoor grow power: humid summers, Eversource Rate 56/58 demand, 500 kW LRS threshold, and a worked cost example at 19.62 cents/kWh.
- United Illuminating for Cannabis Facilities: Rate GS, GST Time-of-Use, and Coastal Retail Load
UI cannabis billing in 17 coastal CT towns: Rate GS/GST/LPT classes, Standard Service benchmarks, and PURA supply choice for retail and labs.
- Demand Charges Explained for Cannabis Cultivators
What a demand charge is, how utilities measure peak kW in 15- or 30-minute windows, why grow rooms get hit hard, how ratchets work, and a worked example.
- Illustrative Case: Eversource Cultivator Compares Standard Service to a Fixed Supplier Rate
Illustrative Eversource cultivator example: Rate 35 demand charges, non-manufacturer class risk, and a fixed supplier contract vs Standard Service.
Jason Taken founded Jaken Energy, the commercial energy procurement practice behind this site. He works with licensed cannabis operators in deregulated electricity markets to lower supply rates, manage demand charges, and evaluate efficiency upgrades.
Sources
Inline citations in this article, such as [eversource-ct-rates-2026], refer to the entries below. Links open the primary source in a new tab.
- [eversource-ct-rates-2026]Summary of Connecticut Electric Rates, last updated May 1, 2026 — Eversource Energy. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [energizect-rate-board-business]Rate Board: Business Generation Rates — EnergizeCT / PURA. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ct-credential-count]Cannabis Credential Count — Connecticut DCP via Connecticut Open Data. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [energizect-energy-opportunities]Energy Opportunities for Business Facilities — EnergizeCT. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ct-pura-choose-supplier]Choose a Supplier: Information for Customers — Connecticut PURA. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [ct-reraca-chapter-420h]Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 420h: RERACA — Connecticut General Assembly. Accessed 2026-09-11.
- [noaa-cag-connecticut]Climate at a Glance: Connecticut statewide HDD and CDD — NOAA NCEI. Accessed 2026-09-11.