HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - A coalition of environmental groups is accusing the governor of harming consumers with a new proposal designed to reduce electric bills.

Last weekend, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced she was directing her environmental protection commissioner to add consumer rebates to regulations the agency is drafting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Christopher Phelps, of Environment Connecticut, says Rell's plan takes money from programs that currently reduce consumers' electric bills in order to provide a rebate the environmentalists estimate is worth $2.70 a year for the average homeowner.

He says the proposal could also undermine an agreement on greenhouse emissions with other states and is urging a legislative committee to reject Rell's rebate idea.

Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy is defending Rell's proposal, saying it both reduces emissions and protects consumers.