BERLIN, Connecticut – January 7, 2010 – High school students in Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and Yankee Gas service territories competing in the upcoming 2010 Connecticut FIRST robotics competition can now apply for grants to help fund their entries, thanks to CL&P and Yankee Gas. A total of $15,000 is available. Winning teams will be eligible for grants ranging from $500 to $1000 each. "I am very proud that we are taking this next step in supporting Connecticut FIRST," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer, CL&P. "They have made science and learning fun and created an event that is just as exciting for spectators as it is for competitors." Applications for the CL&P/Yankee Gas grants are available at www.cl-p.com/Home/Community/First.aspx. The deadline for applications is February 1. Winning teams will be notified by February 20. Over 1,500 high school students are expected to compete in the 2010 Northeast Utilities FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Connecticut Regional robotics competition, April 1-3 at Hartford's Connecticut Convention Center.