February 18, 2009

REP. GENGA PLEASED WITH DECREASE TO ENERGY RATES
Business users will see significant savings

State Representative Henry Genga (D- East Hartford), member of the Legislative Energy and Technology Committee, is happy to announce that the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) approved substantial reductions in quarterly rates of 22% for Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) for Last Resort Service – a service which is used by a large business that does not choose its own electric company supplier, such as a shopping mall.

The decrease is a direct result of lower commodity prices, strategic investments in the state's transmission system and lower federal congestion penalties. The largest utility customers, those with monthly energy demands in excess of 500 kWh, must take service under Last Resort rates.

"Connecticut is now seeing the benefits of lower fuel and direct electric generation costs," said Rep. Genga. "With the significant investments we have made over the last few years, we are now seeing the pay off of new transmission facilities and lower costs associated with decreased congestion penalties."

CL&P's Last Resort Service GSC rates will result in a saving of $3,500 for every 100,000 kWhs used by a customer.

"In a very bad economy, this is good news for large Connecticut businesses," said DPUC Vice Chairman John W. Betkoski. "This significant savings will make a big difference to businesses struggling through difficult times."

Customers can locate CL&P and UI's approved Last Resort GSC rates on Connecticut's Energy Information website, CTEnergyInfo.com. From the home page, click "Choose An Electric Supplier".