A Smarter Way To Use Power

Giving Connecticut consumers the power to take advantage oflower, off-peak rates will lead to the more prudent use of electricity.

The legislature took a positive step in approving an energy bill that addresses the problem of high electric costs in the state by taking advantage of new technologies that can drive down consumption during critical times of the day.

The deregulation system approved in 1998 needs to be repaired and improved, not done away with in favor of a return to a regulated monopoly.

Power generation is now driven by peak-load demand. The state and region depend on an electric system that can provide adequate electricity during the peak requirements of the business day. The highest demand comes on the hottest days.

If consumers can be encouraged to use electricity during non-peak hours, thus lowering peak demand, the system will not have to continue to expand with more and more power plants. That would mean long-term savings.

The Day (Connecticut)