House Republican Press Release

February 1, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller & Harkins Support NRG / U.I. Plan for Devon Power Plant

HARTFORD- State Representatives Larry Miller (R-122) and John Harkins (R-120) today offered their support for NRG and United Illuminating’s joint plan for development at the Devon power plant. 

The NRG/UI plan adds 200 MW of new peaking capacity at Devon Station.  This new peaking generation will displace older, higher cost and less efficient generators that were never intended to be operated as “peakers.”  Displacing these less efficient generators means that they will run less and that means environmental benefits for Connecticut.  

Miller and Harkins wrote to Donald Downes, Commissioner of the State Department of Public Utility Control to offer support for the plan.

“We are proud to support NRG and UI’s combined efforts to update the Devon facility,”  they wrote.  “Their plan represents a significant investment in the area’s economy and is one that will reap rewards for years to come.  The benefits for our community appear to be many if NRG/UI is successful in securing a long term contract through the peaker docket process - from environmental benefits to economic development opportunities and job creation - in our town as well as neighboring communities. We all to well know that a stable reliable source of energy supports a stable and growing economy. 

“We are pleased to lend our support to this project, please know that we stand ready to work with NRG and UI as their plan moves forward. This is a win win initiative for Stratford and Connecticut.”