United Illuminating, which provides service to Easton and elsewhere in lower Fairfield County, is proposing a distribution rate increase it estimates will raise electric bills about 5% each year for three years beginning in 2023.  UI told state regulators the average residential electric customer with a $188 monthly bill would see an increase of about $9.69 in September 2023. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has scheduled a series of public hearings, two in person and two virtual.  The virtual hearings will be December 13th and 15th via zoom.  Written public comments will be accepted by PURA until December 15th.