June 2, 2010 – Dan Malloy, the Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate for Governor, today discussed the energy problems facing Connecticut residents and businesses, and laid out his vision for moving Connecticut’s energy policy forward.  Malloy’s energy plan can be viewed at http://danmalloy.com/policy/energy.

On Wednesday afternoon Malloy and State Senator Donald DeFronzo (D-New Britain) addressed reporters outside the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC).  The DPUC is expected to release a draft docket shortly regarding CL&P’s proposed rate increases, which Malloy has consistently opposed.

“For too long Connecticut has had governors who refused or were unable to put forward a comprehensive energy plan designed to conserve energy and control costs,” said Malloy.  “That lack of action has cost us jobs, because our businesses pay the highest electric rates in the continental United States, and it’s suffocating consumers plagued by electric rates that are also the highest in the nation.  As Governor, I’ll lead a statewide effort to promote efficiency, lower consumption, invest in renewable energy, and drive down electricity prices.”

Amongst other details, Malloy’s energy plan calls for:

* A statewide energy efficiency drive, with a goal of 15 percent reduction in overall energy consumption within the next two years, which would make Connecticut one of the most energy efficient states in the nation.

* A re-focusing of state investments to target renewable energy.

* Using the state’s purchasing power to negotiate better prices with oil companies, the ultimate goal being to reduce costs for every residential consumer in the state.

Malloy’s plan also notes that, as Governor, he would have signed the energy bill that Governor Rell recently vetoed.  Additional details can be seen at http://danmalloy.com/policy/energy.

Malloy pointed to his tenure as Mayor of Stamford for proof of what’s possible when energy needs are addressed comprehensively and proactively.

“I know this can be done, because I’ve helped do a lot of it before,” he continued.  “As Mayor, I instituted Stamford's energy conservation plan, which has helped the environment and passed cost savings on to taxpayers. Stamford's energy conservation strategies have included the first solar-based energy system installed by a municipality under the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, recycling initiatives that not only provide for a cleaner city but also increase revenue to the city by $2 million a year, and upgrades to our sewage treatment plant that go a long way toward improving the waters of Long Island Sound – all projects that were completed on time and under budget.”

In 2005, Stamford earned one of six "Clean Air-Cool Planet Climate Champion Awards" for its innovative energy efficient emissions reduction plan.  Instituting an action plan to reduce global warming emissions by 20 percent in publically-operated facilities has already saved the city more than $1.1 million in energy costs.

As a candidate for Governor, Malloy has travelled the state in recent months sharing his ideas for moving Connecticut forward.  To date, his campaign has been endorsed by 52 Democratic Town Committees, 51 DTC Chairs, more than 100 elected officials and community leaders, and numerous labor organizations which combined represent tens of thousands of active and retired workers throughout the state.  The campaign also has the support of more than 4,000 individual contributors who helped Malloy become the first gubernatorial candidate to qualify for the Citizens’ Elections Program, giving him access to up to $8.5M for his campaign.