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107 Selden St., Berlin, Connecticut 06037



News Release

CL&P Files New Six-Month Electricity Supply Rate
Company reminds customers about opportunities to reduce use and lower bills this winter


BERLIN, Conn. (November 7, 2014) – Citing a dramatic increase in the price of electricity Connecticut Light and Power buys on behalf of customers, the company today filed for an increase in its Standard Service rate that would become effective on January 1st. The current spike in electricity prices stems from widely publicized constraints in the existing pipelines that bring natural gas to regional generating companies.

The new proposed average rate for CL&P’s Standard Service would increase to 12.45 cents per kilowatt-hour, from the current average of 9.96 cents. This supply price is separate from CL&P’s delivery rates and must first be approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

“We’re always mindful of the effect these supplier increases have on our customers, particularly those who are facing difficult financial circumstances,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, CL&P’s parent company. “We’re urging all CL&P customers to take advantage of our efficiency programs to help reduce their usage, tighten-up their homes and keep energy bills down this winter.”

As a regulated delivery company in Connecticut, CL&P purchases electricity from suppliers and passes the cost, with no profit added, directly to customers who are on the company’s Standard Service supply option. By law, the Standard Service price for residential and small commercial customers changes twice a year, on January 1st and July 1st. Customers who purchase their electricity through aggregate buyers or directly from suppliers would contact those companies for information about any anticipated increases in their rates.

More than half of New England’s electricity is now produced using natural gas. Though natural gas remains an abundant and inexpensive fuel, regional pipeline limitations and the growing dependency on gas to produce electricity are pushing prices higher. While these constraints will continue to affect electricity customers in the near-term, Northeast Utilities is committed to pursuing strategic projects to help solve these challenges. To that end, NU and Spectra Energy recently proposed the Access Northeast project to expand the region’s natural gas capacity using existing pipeline routes, with an anticipated in-service date of November 2018. In addition, NU’s proposed Northern Pass Project will bring clean and low-cost energy from Hydro-Quebec’s world-class hydroelectric plants to New Hampshire and New England.

As prices increase, it’s particularly important to explore the many energy efficiency improvement options that can dramatically lower use. Simple steps like turning down the thermostat; caulking drafty doors and windows; making sure heating vents aren’t blocked; and switching to energy efficient light bulbs, will all help save money.

A good way to discover what efficiency measures are needed in any home is to sign up for a home energy assessment through the Energize Connecticut program. Customers can also take advantage of generous energy efficiency rebates and incentives, including those available for the purchase of energy-efficient heating systems, refrigerators and water heaters, as well as current offers of zero-interest financing for new energy-efficient heating equipment. And the company’s budget billing option can help manage household expenses by providing equal monthly payments throughout the year.

For information about all of the energy efficiency programs CL&P offers through Energize Connecticut – including no-cost weatherization services to income-eligible customers – visit cl-p.com or energizect.com.



Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE: NU), transmits and delivers electricity to 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns. For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com, like us on Facebook (facebook.com/CTLightandPower) and follow us on Twitter @CTLightandPower.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tricia Taskey Modifica
(860) 665-4605
tricia.modifica@nu.com



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