House Republican Press Release

February 8, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. STRIPP SAYS PASS ENERGY BILLS NOW

Immediate Relief From Rising Electric Bills

HARTFORD – House Republican Assistant Leader John Stripp today announced support for the call by Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero to provide immediate relief from rising electric bills.

Republicans said they have come to agreement with Democrats on a number of energy policy changes that include conservation and greater reliance on diversified fuels that will provide consumers much needed relief. But the failure to act after more than a year of work is apparently due to divisions among House Democrats and Senate Democrats.

Rep. Stripp is calling for short- and long-term solutions which can be acted upon now:

· Conservation and efficiency tax exemptions would lead to less use;

· Expedited siting of distributed resources;

· Energy assistance programs.

Agreement on long-term solutions:

· Increased usage of renewable fuels such as solar, hydro and wind power which would lower our dependence on foreign oil;

· Funding natural gas and oil conservation;

· Allow for longer term contracts to stabilize lower wholesale prices.

The Governor called for a Special Session after the election and the Democrats said energy would be first actions taken during session. The Session began January 3^rd, it is now nearly three weeks later and the Energy and Technology Committee still has not raised a bill. Since the Governor’s call for a special session, Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) and United Illuminating (UI) have seen large residential customer increases.

“Our constituents have waited long enough. We need to pass agreed-upon language right now while we continue to hammer out other solutions,” said Rep. Stripp. “Delay in action prevents consumers from getting real relief,” added Rep. Stripp.