BERLIN, Connecticut, July 18, 2006 — High temperatures and rising humidity combined to help Connecticut set a record for electricity usage yesterday, Monday, July 17. Between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Connecticut usage reached 7,172 megawatts, exceeding the old record of 7,150 megawatts set on July 27, 2005.
The record came as the state faced near record-breaking temperatures for the second consecutive day.
Making sure Connecticut’s electric grid can meet the ever-increasing demand for electricity is the reason The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) continues to upgrade its electric system. Some $23 million has been invested in the distribution system this year to strengthen it for these high-demand days and to reduce the likelihood of service interruptions. "These improvements will decrease both the number and duration of outages across our system, providing our customers with greater reliability," said Dana Louth, vice president for Energy Delivery Services at CL&P.
Construction of the 20-mile Bethel to Norwalk transmission project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Ground has been broken for the 69-mile Middletown to Norwalk project and it should be finished by the end of 2009. CL&P is also completing additional projects to meet the growing need for electricity throughout the state.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With more than 1.1 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental education. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.