BRIDGEPORT — The Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund is sponsoring an Energy Saving Lighting Sale at the City Hall Annex, 999 Broad St., on Thursday, Dec. 1.
The public can purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), table and floor lamps and LED holiday light strands and more. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Archive for 2011
Save energy, save money
Bridgeport’s Waterfront Debate
BRIDGEPORT — In his victory speech earlier this month, Mayor Bill Finch reiterated his commitment to opening up the city’s waterfront to the public. He even called it one of his main priorities.
But is any access good access?
That was an issue that the Planning and Zoning Commission debated on Monday night when they were presented a plan to establish an equipment sales and leasing facility at 45 Deacon St., directly along the Yellow Mill Channel.
The property lies between several large contractor storage yards on Seaview Avenue, including O&G.
Valiant Equipment Sales and Repair, of which some Viking Construction principals are a part of, had applied for a new dealership license at the site. In a public hearing Monday, Bill Coleman, of the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, spoke in favor of the proposal, which would include the installation of a public walkway along the waterfront.
Not all of the commission agreed, though, that any access is better than no access. Some of the commissioners felt the city should wait for a water dependent use for the site, not just approve any site to score public access.
“I feel very strongly that waterfront property should be kept for water dependent uses,” said Commissioner Anne Pappas Philips.
P&Z Chair Mel Riley didn’t agree.
“They’re giving us an easement,” he said. “It’s a 30 foot drop to the water. I don’t ever see a water dependent use on that property.”
Only two other commissioners agreed with Riley. The proposal was denied by a 6-3 vote.
What side of the debate are you on? Should the city hold out for water dependent uses or be grateful for taxpayers that will grant a public easement? How would you have voted?
CL&P and UI rates going down
This just in from State Regulators:
The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved on Monday, Nov. 28, reduced generation rates for residential and business customers taking Standard Service generation from Connecticut Light & Power or United Illuminating.
As a result of PURA’s action to approve requests submitted by the two companies, effective January 1, 2012:
- CL&P’s residential generation rate will decrease about 1.2 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), from the current rate of 9.482 cents/kWh to 8.279 cents/kWh. The generation cost for a CL&P residential customer using 750 k/h would decrease by about $9 a month.
- UI’s residential generation rate will decrease 1.8 cents/kWh from the current rate of 10.616 cents/kWh to 8.727 cents/kWh. The generation cost for a UI residential customer using 750 kWh would decrease by about $13.50 a month.
Similar reductions will be applied to generation rates for business customers taking standard service from the state’s two largest electric utility companies. CL&P business customers will see a reduction of about 1.4 cents/kWh while UI’s business customers will see a reduction of about 1.8 cents/kWh.
The generation rate – which recovers the cost to generate electricity at power plants – makes up more than 50% of the monthly electric bill for most residential users.
Other charges on electric bills that recover the cost to deliver electricity – which will be adjusted by the PURA for 2012 in December – include distribution and public benefit charges. Delivery costs also include transmission charges, which are set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Approximately 53% of the Connecticut’s 1.5 million residential customers take standard service generation from CL&P and UI. The remaining residential customers have opted to have their electricity provided by other approved electric suppliers, which can further reduce generation rates for consumers.
Even though CL&P and UI’s generation charges are being reduced , consumers should consider all available generation offers to obtain the most suitable and cost effective plan for their household. Helpful information about choosing an electric supplier can be found at www.ctenergyinfo.com - just select Choosing An Electric Supplier.
PURA officials noted that generation charges have steadily declined since 2006 when the cost to generate electricity dramatically increased. They said today’s reductions are attributable to the ability of CL&P and UI to purchase power at lower cost due to the decline in natural gas prices and to a decrease in congestion fees
Greater Bpt. NAACP to hold freedom fund dinner
BRIDGEPORT — The Greater Bridgeport branch of the NAACP will host its annual freedom fund dinner on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal will be the keynote speaker and Bridgeport City Clerk Fleeta Hudson will be awarded the president’s award. The cost of the event is $75, which includes a one-year regular membership. For more information or to purchase tickets call 203-685-5709.
Stratford police investigate hit and run
A woman was seriously injured early Saturday morning when she was struck by a vehicle while crossing Main Street near Mr. P’s Cafe. Police said the driver of the vehicle fled the scene.
Butler election mishap awaits SOS ruling
The executive board of Derby’s Democratic town committee will request written guidance from the Secretary of State’s office as to how they should handle the election of the wrong James Butler to the Board of Apportionment and Taxation. James J. Butler was placed on the ballot and elected but the Democratic Town Committee nominated his father James R. Butler for the postition.
Bridgeport resident struck by vehicle in Westport
A Bridgeport resident was struck by a vehicle about 5:15 p.m. Wednesday while attempting to cross Post Road East on foot near Bulkley Avenue in Westport.
When police arrived on scene they found Aja Barksdale, 19, lying in the street, according to police.
Barksdale was transported to Norwalk Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening, injuries, police said.
Police said their preliminary investigation shows an 18-year-old Westport resident struck Barksdale as she attempted to cross the street.
Speeding does not appear to be a factor in the crash, police said. It was dark and raining at the time of the crash.
The incident is under investigation by the Westport Police Department.
Group of Easton residents to launch town watchdog website
EASTON – A group of concerned Easton citizens is launching a new website to bring important issues in town to the public eye, Easton resident Robert Webbe said.
Webbe ran against first selectman Tom Herrmann as a write-in candidate. He received more than 300 votes. He campaigned on what he said were important, but ignored issues in town, including the high number of not returned driveway bonds.
The website, Eastoneye.org, is tentatively scheduled to launch Friday, Webbe said.
“It will keep the driveway bond issue and others like it in the public eye,” Webbe said.
