House Republican Press Release

July 11, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Williams: DPUC Program Rewards Consumers who Reduce Electricity Use This Summer

Customers Who Lower Consumption Earn Credit that Reduces their November Bill

State Representative Sean Williams today urged Oakville, Watertown and Woodbury residents to participate in a state Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) program that enables CL&P or UI customers to earn a one-time credit that would lower their November electricity bill by 10 percent if they reduce their electricity consumption this summer.

“The Summer Saver Rewards Program administered by the DPUC makes electricity conservation more attractive by giving customers who lower their energy consumption by 10 percent between July 1 and September 1, 2007 a 10 percent credit for the generation portion of their November electricity bill. Since the generation line item on individual electricity bills accounts for more than two-thirds of a customer’s typical bill, the 10 percent credit could mean a significant saving for many customers,” said Representative Williams, R-68^th District.

“The program gives customers an added incentive to reduce their electricity use during the summer months, when people use substantially more power to run their air conditioning systems,” said Representative Williams, the House Ranking Member on the state legislature’s Energy & Technology Committee. “Consumers who sign up for the program will not only save money on their November bill, but also will reduce the burden Connecticut places on the regional electric grid, which will help prevent brownouts and other interruptions in the delivery of electricity to residential and commercial consumers. Reducing the load on the grid further lowers our monthly bills by reducing the amount of ‘congestion costs’ that appear as another line item on customers’ bills.”

CL&P and UI customers can call 1-877-WISE USE (1-877-947-3873) to enroll or receive more information about the Summer Saver Rewards Program, Representative Williams said.

According to the Department of Public Utility Control, steps consumers can take to reduce their electric consumption include:

• Closing blinds or curtains on the south-facing side of homes during the day.
• Turning air conditioning temperatures up by two degrees and turning off air conditioning units when no one is at home.
• Turning off appliances and lighting when not in use; switching to energy-saving light bulbs; and unplugging electronic equipment (such as cell phone chargers) when not in use. 
• Purchasing energy-efficient appliances for home or business use when replacing older units. 

More information can be found at ctenergyinfo.com.

Electricity companies were required to offer the electricity conservation incentive program to their customers under legislation (Public Act 07-242) passed by the Connecticut General Assembly this year.