House Republican Press Release

July 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. GIEGLER: SUMMER SAVER PROGRAM UNDERWAY

HARTFORD – State Representative Janice (R-Danbury, New Fairfield) announced the Department of Public Utility Control is kicking off a 2007 Summer Saver Rewards Program, implementing legislation passed this session.

Under the Summer Saver Rewards Program, electric utility consumers whose electric energy consumption between July 1 and September 30, 2007 is at least 10% less than what the same customer used during that period in 2006, will receive a 10% credit in the generation portion of their bills.  Customer may also be able to earn credits of 15% or 20%.  The generation line item represents more than two-thirds of a typical customer’s bill. 

“This program is a great opportunity for electric customers,” said Rep. Gielger. “Residents will have an opportunity to be rewarded through an energy cost savings for their efficient use of energy.  This program will benefit both residential and business customers." 

The purpose of the legislation incentive plan is to make it attractive for consumers to reduce the amount of electricity during the peak summer months.  By reducing electric consumption, not only do the consumers save money on their individual electric bills, but they reduce the load the state puts on the electric grid.  This, in turn, further reduces bills by reducing the amount of “Congestion Costs” that appear as a line item on customers’ bills.  These charges are federally mandated because Connecticut’s system is congested.

All customers are eligible to receive the credits.  Customers of both UI and CL&P should call 1- 877- WISE USE [1-877-947-3873] to enroll or receive information about the program. 

Among the things that consumers can do to reduce their electric consumption is to close blinds/curtains on the south-facing side of the house during the day, turn air conditioning temperatures up by two (2) degrees, not run air conditioning units when no one is home, turn off unused appliances and lighting, switch to energy-saving light bulbs and unplug unused electronic equipment (such as cell phone chargers) when not in use.  Business customers can turn off any unused equipment and also raise the temperature on air conditioning, as well as switch to energy efficient lighting.  Anyone thinking of purchasing an appliance for home or business should consider replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models.  More information can be found at http://ctenergyinfo.com.