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107 Selden St., Berlin, Connecticut 06037



News Release

Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat
CL&P is Ready for Energy Demand to Rise as Temperatures Soar



BERLIN, Conn. (July 16, 2013) – As excessive heat grips the region with temperatures forecasted to hover in the mid 90's for the next several days, demand for electricity could reach record levels. Connecticut Light & Power is ready to meet that demand and also offers tips for customers to save energy and stay cool.

CL&P regularly conducts helicopter infrared surveys of transmission lines and ground surveys of electrical substations to test and verify the integrity of the electric system and help identify potential trouble spots. This year, the company has invested about $30 million in its electric system for greater reliability and to reduce the possibility of service interruptions for our customers, especially during the hot summer months when the system is pushed to its limits.

Customers can also take action to stay cool and keep energy use down now and throughout the summer:

Keeping the heat out and the cool in -
Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes, making it harder to keep indoor air cool. Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help. And, even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows are closed during the hottest part of the day. Simply close them early and open them again when the outside temperature drops.

Air conditioners work best in the shade -
If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal. If you are shopping for an air conditioner, look for the Energy Star label to ensure the unit is energy efficient.

Raising the temperature lowers the bill -
Keeping air conditioner thermostats set at a moderate temperature saves energy and money. Because air conditioners also remove humidity from the air, they'll help keep you cool even with a higher temperature setting.

It's a great time to cook outside - Cooking indoors will heat your home, cooking outdoors won't. Today's gas grills are more than just a way to cook traditional summertime favorites - they make great ovens, too. A closed lid and a properly adjusted temperature can result in a perfectly cooked meal. Many grill manufacturers even list the optimal settings and provide easy recipes right in the owner's manual.

Fridges and freezers are big-time energy users -
To make the most of your energy dollars, be sure to vacuum their coils regularly, close their doors quickly and keep them well-stocked. Using jugs of water is a perfect low-cost option to fill empty space. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use three times more electricity than today's energy-efficient models. If that extra fridge or freezer in the basement isn't really needed, consider unplugging it for extra savings.

Conserving energy -
It's always best to shut lighting and appliances off when not needed. Incandescent lights, when on, add heat to your home. Turning lights off when they are not needed will help keep your home cooler.

CL&P’s energy efficiency expert, Enoch Lenge, offers additional tips on saving energy and money in his monthly column on www.cl-p.com. Have you been thinking about buying an air conditioner? Check out this month’s column, “Stay Cool with an Efficient Air Conditioner” for information on buying an efficient model, preparing an existing system for summertime and money-saving rebates.



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:
Mitch Gross
mitch.gross@nu.com
860-665-5221



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