Riled Rell reacts (rightfully) to DPUC action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2006



Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on DPUC Decision

to Grant United Illuminating Co. Rate Increase Request





Governor M. Jodi Rell today released the following statement following the Department of Public Utility Control’s decision to proceed with rate increases for United Illuminating Co., beginning January 1, 2007:



“This decision, especially when coupled with the decision last week to grant rate increases for Connecticut Light & Power Co., is an incredibly disappointing and – worse – unnecessarily frustrating blow to residential and business ratepayers in our state.



“My request for a few months of working room to find ways to help alleviate this problem – a request that just this week was reinforced by legislative leaders – could easily have been granted. While recognizing the importance of power contracts that have been signed we must also recognize the immense pressures these increases are placing on the families and employers of Connecticut. Their burdens only continue to grow.



“The challenge before the Legislature, the Executive Branch, regulators and the power industry is painfully clear. The problem cannot be allowed to linger – all the less so because of decisions like today’s.”