The Renewable Energy Challenge

To the Editor,

Congratulations to Herb Rosenthal for his leadership in making Newtown one of 21 Connecticut towns that met statewide renewable energy usage goals. Thanks are also due to the 100 business and residential CL&P customers, including Curtis Packaging, which have switched to renewable energy sources for their electric power. As a result, Newtown will receive a solar energy panel. Each additional 100 users will get the town another panel.

This is a great example of “Thinking Globally and Acting Locally.” It is simple for any home or business user to switch to 100 percent renewable energy sources...wind, water and landfill gas. You can sign up using the Internet, www.cl-p.com, or by mail when your next CL&P bill comes. The monthly cost is about three cups of coffee at your local coffee shop.

Another step everyone can take is to replace at least one regular 100 watt light bulb with one 17 watt compact fluorescent light bulb. Based on a recent National Geographic magazine article this would save about 500 pounds of coal a year for each bulb.

If we all do a little bit, we can ensure that both the demand for electric power in Newtown will grow modestly and that a higher percentage of this power will be provided by renewable energy.

Thank you.

Ted Kreinik

3 Cadey Lane, Newtown              December 20, 2006