House Republican Press Release

December 12, 2005

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Calls on DPUC to Take Extraordinary Measures to Reduce Energy Rate Increases

Says Pending Energy Rate Hikes Constitute a True Emergency

State Rep. Kevin M. DelGobbo, R-70th, Naugatuck, has urged extraordinary action to minimize the impact of a series of electricity and natural gas rate hikes that would impact homeowners, businesses and the economic future of the state.

In a letter to Donald Downes, chairman of the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC), Rep. DelGobbo said that “in the aggregate, the impact of these potential rate increases would be devastating to Connecticut.”

“I do not believe I am overstating the importance of these issues by relating to you my belief that these issues constitute a true emergency situation that we must address,” Rep. DelGobbo said. Rep. DelGobbo is ranking member on the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee.

Rep. DelGobbo called on the DPUC to identify actions that could mitigate the rate hikes, over and above their traditional rate review process.

“It is my hope and request that the department explore any additional options that could be implemented to mitigate any rate increase,” said Rep. DelGobbo.

Rep. DelGobbo noted several proposed electric rate applications are being scrutinized by the DPUC, regarding generation service charges as well as transmission and distribution rates. In addition, Rep. DelGobbo said, applications are pending regarding natural gas prices.

In addition, he also asked the DPUC to evaluate the impact of proposed federally mandated congestion cost reductions.

Rep. DelGobbo serves the 70^th Assembly District of Naugatuck in the state House of Representatives.

A copy of the letter is attached.

December 9, 2005

Chairman Donald Downes
Department of Public Utility Control
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT  06051

Dear Chairman Downes:

I write with regard to the pendency of several rate filings that are either before the department currently or can reasonably be expected to be brought before the department in the coming months.  It is my understanding that these filings include a current generation service charge filing and potentially a future transmission and distribution rate filing, both for electric rates.  It is also my understanding that there are rate filings concerning natural gas prices.

I do not think that you would disagree that in the aggregate the impact of these potential rate increases would be devastating to Connecticut.  Obviously, I appreciate that your department will be scrutinizing these filings to minimize any rate increase. 

In addition, it is my hope and request that the department explore any additional options that could be implemented to mitigate any rate increase.

I would appreciate your thoughts on what such measures might be and whether legislative action would be required to implement them.

I would also like to request an evaluation of the savings to ratepayers that your office contemplates will be realized as the result of the draft decision on near-term federally mandated congestion cost reductions.

I do not believe I am overstating the importance of these issues by relating to you my belief that these issues constitute a true emergency situation that we must address.  

Thank your for your prompt consideration and action on these requests.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. DelGobbo
State Representative