House Republican Press Release

November 9, 2004

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Opposes Two-Zone Pricing for Electricity Customers

NAUGATUCK—State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo (R-70^th, Naugatuck) today expressed his opposition to a plan by federal energy regulators to split Connecticut into two electricity-pricing zones, with higher rates in southwestern Connecticut.

Rep. DelGobbo said such multiple-zone pricing will hurt the state’s economic climate and discourage business from investing, expanding and creating new jobs in the higher-price zone.

“I strongly disagree with the decision,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “I understand the concern of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that we need to increase the electricity capacity in that part of the state, but this is not the way to go about it.”

The commission Monday approved a plan to allow higher rates in southwestern Connecticut beginning in 2006 to encourage more electric generation in that region of the state.

“This is precisely the type of action I have been concerned about,” said Rep. DelGobbo. “If Connecticut cannot move forward on increasing electricity supply to the populous areas of the state, the Feds are going to take action unilaterally. “

“The message is the state take action without further delays to expand electric transmission into southwestern Connecticut,” added Rep. DelGobbo.

Rep. DelGobbo is ranking member on the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee.