House Republican Press Release

May 11, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Michael Caron Helps Inform Public on Energy Issues

Rep. Michael Caron, R-44, Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling, and Connecticut House Republicans have launched a series of statewide forums on energy and how state government can help consumers deal with rising electricity prices.

Rep. Caron said, “We are helping people understand how Connecticut fell behind in producing the energy needed for a growing economy and how we can all help to solve the problem.”

As part of the presentation, Rep. Caron said Connecticut Light and Power also is distributing information and giving away compact fluorescent light bulbs to assist in saving electricity and lowering electric bills.

Rep. Caron said forums ill be scheduled in eastern Connecticut in the near future, after an initial presentation was held with the Granby Chamber of Commerce in early May. The forums are being organized at school auditoriums, town halls, senior centers and other public locations around the state.

Among the solutions, Rep. Caron said, legislation will encourage large energy users to create their own electricity and ease some of the burden on the state power grid. Also Connecticut House Republicans are proposing incentives to stimulate alternative fuels other than natural gas on which the state overwhelmingly depends to generate electricity.

“Energy conservation by large users and consumers also must be an important part of the solution,” said Rep. Caron. “Low-energy construction standards for new buildings are important, as well as equipping existing homes, schools, factories and offices to use less electricity.”

The House Republican presentation covers:

How did we get here?
Where we are?
What is being done?
What can government do to help?
What can consumers do to help ourselves?

Groups that are interested in hearing more about the issue or schedule a presentation are invited to contact Rep. Caron at 1-800-842-1423.

Rep. Caron participated as assistant minority leader in the state House of Representatives and a member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee.

Rep. Caron serves the 44^th Assembly District of Killingly, Plainfield and Sterling in the state House of Representatives.