House Republican Press Release

November 9, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. DelGobbo Plays Key Role in CL&P Decision to Back Off on Ratepayer Funding of Executive Bonuses

Worked With Gov. Rell to Convince Company to Withdraw Proposal

State Representative Kevin M. DelGobbo played a key role in the decision by CL&P to back off on a proposal to have ratepayers fund bonuses for the company’s executives.

CL&P, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, had asked the Department of Public Utility Control to allow it to pass on to ratepayers the costs of $3.5 million in executive bonuses. The request was part of an overall rate increase of 4.6 percent the utility had asked DPUC to approve beginning January 1. The increase would translate to about $6.25 per month for the average household.

Representative DelGobbo, R-Naugatuck, who serves on the General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee, spoke with Governor Rell earlier this week at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss the CL&P proposal and its likely effect on ratepayers.

Governor Rell subsequently spoke with Northeast Utility’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chuck Shivery about the proposal. The company agreed to withdraw the request.

In addition to Representative DelGobbo’s discussions with the governor and members of her staff, he also had numerous discussions with CL&P ‘s top executives.

“I truly appreciate the governor’s leadership on this issue as well as CL&P’s willingness to understand the impact that the proposal would have had on their customers,” Representative DelGobbo said.

“I very much appreciate CL&P’s willingness to respond to my request and withdraw its bonus pay proposal,” the governor said. “I know CL&P and NU have responsibilities not only to their ratepayers but to their shareholders. Nevertheless, given the current need to keep energy prices as affordable as possible and keep our economy growing, this decision is the right one for both the company and its customers.”

In her statement announcing CL&P’s decision, Governor Rell specifically expressed her appreciation to Representative DelGobbo for his efforts to help resolve this issue.