Register-Eco Group Slams DPUC, 6.11.08

New Haven Register

June 11, 2008

Eco group slams DPUC on ruling

By Luther Turmelle

A regional environmental group is criticizing Connecticut utility regulators for a draft ruling the group claims will cut $20 million from energy-efficiency programs offered by the state's two largest utilities and
result in some programs being eliminated.

The executive director of Environment Northeast of Rockport, Maine, is calling the May 28 draft decision by the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control "wrong-headed and shortsighted."

The comments by ENE's Daniel Sosland come as the DPUC prepares to hear arguments concerning its annual Conservation and Load Management Plan on Friday.

"Connecticut consumers are facing soaring energy costs, and they need access to the state's energy-efficiency programs, now more than ever," Sosland said. "The DPUC's plan would cause programs to shut down, and cost consumers $80 million or more in higher power plant contracts."

The DPUC typically develops the conservation and load management plan with little or no wrangling over the amount of money budgeted for the conservation programs offered by United Illuminating Co. of New Haven, and Connecticut Light & Power Co. in Berlin, Conn.

But with the state facing tough economic times, DPUC spokeswoman Beryl Lyons said the agency is asking the utilities "to rein it in a little bit" with regard to the conservation programs.

"We greatly support the programs," Lyons said. "We're just asking them to live within their budget."

The state's office of consumer counsel, which represents the interests of Connecticut's ratepayers, shares the DPUC's position.

A charge that is included on every customer's electric bill funds the energy conservation programs, said Mary Healey, the state's consumer counsel.

"(The) DPUC is trying to balance interests in this case, trying to encourage conservation while not overburdening the ratepayer," Healey said. "We all share the same goal of energy efficiency. I would encourage all parties to get together and look at ways to diversify sources of funding beyond the
ratepayer."

Mitch Gross, a CL&P spokesman, said there has been a dramatic increase in consumer interest in the utility's energy conservation programs, both last year and so far this year.

"We are looking for ways to meet this demand and while we do, some of these programs and projects are on a waiting list," Gross said.

"The last thing we want to do is end a program. It's a tough, complex situation and we understand the problem the DPUC is facing. The question is whether they can find a middle ground."