Sky-high electric rates pushed ratepayers to chant ?fight the hike? at a rally at the state Capitol Thursday.

Residents demanded that their lawmakers act immediately to lower electric costs. They also want the state to re-regulate the utilities. Many legislative leaders promised rate relief at the beginning of the year, but the rally's organizers said they're sick of empty promises.

State Representative Terry Backer (D-Stratford), one of the Legislature's energy experts, said the issue is complex and takes time. ?Connecticut is relying on gas and oil that we don't produce and don't have,? Backer said. ?It's 80 percent of the electric price. We need to be more thoughtful about it.?

Backer is proposing an amendment to focus on the state?s methods of purchasing energy. Two massive energy bills are also being considered; one in the House and one in the Senate.