House Republican Press Release

August 3, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Miller: New York Pipe Blast a Warning to Connecticut

Legislator Says State Should Examine Pipe Systems

HARTFORD- Representative Larry Miller (R-122) today called for closer inspection and examination of the underground steam lines in Hartford, while renewing his call for the State of Connecticut to sever its ties to TEN Corporation, which owns the heating and cooling lines.  Miller said that it may not be possible to change over all the state properties to independent heating and cooling systems, but the Capitol, Legislative Office Building, and State Armory are three essential properties that should be removed from dependency on the TEN Corporation heating and cooling lines.

“The recent blast in New York reminds us of the dangers of steam lines,” said Miller.  “The steam pipelines in Hartford were built in 1962, and have no cathodic protection.   They go through periodic inspections of manholes, but no state or local authorities inspect the integrity of those lines which are approaching a half-century in age.  These lines need to be inspected in the interest of safety.”

Miller noted that there are two lines that run in Hartford, a Downtown Loop and a Capitol Loop.  He said that 47 customers are currently using the Capitol Loop, including numerous state buildings.

“Back in April I called for the state to sever its relationship with TEN,” said Miller.  “They over-billed the state $14 million for heating and cooling services.  The state would be better off installing its own heating and cooling systems as well as on-site distributive generation to provide electricity to those three critical buildings.”

Miller argued that the installation of independent heating, cooling, and electrical generation systems would increase efficiency, reduce costs, and be free of any pipeline failures or grid disruptions.  This would enable the state to keep critical government and military establishments from being vulnerable to such occurrences.

“This current system is antiquated, expensive and risky,” said Miller.  “The state needs to embrace a more modern, cost-effective energy strategy.  I believe that time is now.”