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107 Selden St., Berlin, Connecticut 06037



News Release

CL&P Suggests Energy Efficiency
as First Line of Defense Against this Winter’s Rising Rates

Budget billing and home energy assessments available for customers


BERLIN, Conn. (October 15, 2014) – With the expected rise in electricity prices this winter, CL&P wants customers to know there are several options available to reduce the amount of energy they use to help keep bills in check. The company also offers budget billing, as well as energy-saving programs specifically designed for income-eligible customers.

“We’re concerned about the effect a surge in the cost of electricity will have on our customers,” said Penni Conner, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Northeast Utilities, CL&P’s parent company. “Our energy efficiency programs are designed to help folks reduce their usage, tighten up their homes, and ensure every energy dollar is spent effectively.”

Because now is the best time to begin taking action to prepare for a January price increase, CL&P is proactively reaching out to customers with helpful suggestions.

Making efficiency improvements around the home can dramatically lower energy 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. 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.

The company’s budget billing option can also help customers manage household expenses by providing equal monthly payments throughout the year.

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. The company’s Northern Pass Project will bring clean and low-cost energy from Hydro-Quebec’s world-class hydroelectric plants to New Hampshire and New England. In addition, 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.

This winter’s expected price increase on the generation portion of a customer’s bill is a direct pass-through of what it costs CL&P to purchase electricity from suppliers on behalf of customers. As the local delivery company, CL&P makes no profit on that electricity. CL&P anticipates filing its new electricity supply rates with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority by early November.




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
(860) 665-5221
mitch.gross@nu.com



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