BERLIN, Connecticut, July 19, 2006 — A third day of near-record high temperatures and humidity combined to help Connecticut easily set a new record for electricity usage yesterday, Tuesday, July 18. Between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Connecticut usage reached 7,303 megawatts, exceeding the one-day record of 7,172 megawatts set on Monday, July 17. Further analysis of the numbers shows that customer usage remained above Monday's previous record until 8:00 p.m. last night.
This new record came on the same day that New England also set a new all-time record, according to ISO New England Inc., the operator of the region’s bulk power system. Preliminary data from ISO shows that electricity use in New England reached 27,374 megawatts, surpassing the previously established record of 26,885 megawatts, which was set on July 27, 2005.
In the meantime, restoration efforts continue across Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) territory after a series of high-powered storms rolled across the state Tuesday night. Nearly 30,000 customers were without power early this morning, but as of 12:30 p.m. today, that number has been reduced to 10,800 customers still affected. CL&P crews are being assisted by crews from our sister companies - Western Massachusetts Electric Company and Public Service of New Hampshire, as well as by contractor crews from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey. Over 130 line crews and tree crews are currently at work. CL&P expects most customers to have their power restored by this evening.
"We are moving as quickly and safely as we can to restore the affected areas," said Dana Louth, vice president for Energy Delivery Services at CL&P. "While the thermometer may say it is not as hot as it was Monday and Tuesday, we are doing everything we can to get the power back on."
# # #
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.