House Republican Press Release

October 14, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Says FERC Meeting Demonstrates Critical State of CT Electrical System

HARTFORD—State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo (R-70^th, Naugatuck) today participated in a daylong Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Technical Conference on Connecticut electrical infrastructure that underlined the urgent need for improved energy transmission within Connecticut.

 Rep. DelGobbo said, “What I heard today only reinforces the position I have held for some time that Connecticut needs to move forward on transmission upgrades. We are at an absolutely critical point.”

He said, “The reliability of the system is at stake. The cost to the consumers is at stake. The future of the economy and of jobs is at stake.”

“I have been fighting against the tide,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “So many people say delay, delay. We need to stop chasing our tail and start moving forward.”

For years, Rep. DelGobbo noted, the state has been discussing a Phase I transmission upgrade from Bethel to Norwalk, a Phase II from Norwalk to Middletown and other improvements.

Rep. DelGobbo serves as ranking member on the Connecticut legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee.

Today’s conference in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford included officials, business people and energy providers from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the federal government.

Topics included energy issues ranging from infrastructure to pricing to safety, reliability, technology options and other concerns.