House Republican Press Release

August 15, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Energy Forum at Senior Center a Success

More than Three Dozen People Participate

STRATFORD—State Rep. John Harkins invited energy company representatives to the senior center for residents eager for ideas about how to save money by conserving energy.

A lively crowd of roughly 40 people listened to tips from a United Illuminating Company representative and offered a few of their tried-and-true tricks for saving a few bucks on their electric bills, from closing refrigerator doors to dressing warmer. They also prompted a discussion about how energy is generated.

It was mostly senior citizens at the Aug. 13 event at the Baldwin Center, where Roddy Diotalevi, the company’s Senior Director of Sales and New Ventures, fielded questions about the current energy crunch and provided useful tips for conservation in both summer and winter months.

“Electric rates are killing everyone,” said Harkins, R-120. “They’re especially hard on seniors because many of them live on fixed incomes and don’t have relatives to help pay the bills.”

Harkins, though, credited the resourcefulness of Stratford’s greatest generation, a trait that became obvious when residents chimed in with a few of their thoughts about energy.

“These are people who have lived through some of our country’s most difficult times,” he said. “Still, they deserve every bit of the help that we can provide in Hartford.”

Harkins is a member of the following committees: Banks, Insurance and Real Estate; Finance Revenue and Bonding; Legislative Management; and Transportation.