How long are the rates on my electric bill going to stay the same?

In 1998, Governor Rowland passed into law electric industry restructuring act in Connecticut. Connecticut Light and Power was required to provide a "standard offer" of 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for the power-generated portion of the bill. This rate will remain in effect until January 1, 2004. Other cost components, such as distribution and transmission costs are controlled by the Connecticut's Dept. of Public Utilities Control (DPUC) and are expected to remain stable with little change. However, after 2003, regulations stipulate that competitive rates by power providers may rise, depending on market conditions.

Whom should I call if my power goes out?

Power outages that last more than several minutes may be caused by physical damage due to a storms, downed trees, and other causes. A first step is to notify Connecticut Light and Power directly by dialing 1-800-286-5000 to inform them of the outage. The operator may be able to estimate the repair time or ask that you call back when it is known. Where threats to health become urgent in the absence of power, beg, kidney dialysis machine, etc., it is urgent to dial 911 to advise the police department that will arrange for emergency response.

Is there any evidence that high voltage power lines, cellular phone towers, and cell phones themselves cause cancer in humans?

Power lines: The Town hired a highly qualified consultant in 1993 who studied New Canaan's power lines, made many measurements in and around school buildings, and found the electromagnetic fields (EMF) to be well within government approved standards. An EMF Committee was appointed by the Town to determine if there had been any incidence of cancer among residents living near the Lakeview Power Substation. They found none.

Cellular Towers: Atop the water tower in Waveny Park, there are six antennas owned by wireless companies to serve the area. They are sufficiently far removed from any human activity. Extensive scientific studies show no link between cell phone towers and cancer.

Cell phones: Similarly, scientific studies have been made with animals, humans and their respective control groups, that show normal use of cell phones does not cause cancer.

Where can I find reports of the investigations made by the Town on power lines, cellular towers, and cell phones?

An extensive file of reports, raw data, interviews, and other studies is retained in the Town Clerk's office. These are available for perusal by the public during normal business hours.

Is the Town faced with a water shortage?

We have been advised by the Aquarion Corporation, formerly the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company (BHC), that we may expect drought conditions to prevail in the spring and summer of 2002. The Town is considering various measures to encourage the conservation of water use. Unnecessary use of water at this time should be avoided.

If there is a water shortage, will my rates go up right away?

Not likely. Aquarion must apply for rate increases with the DPUC in advance of an approval by that agency. In the event of extended water shortage, Aquarion has indicated that they may build a pipeline to import water into Fairfield County beyond the reaches of their current sources. If so, rates at some future time may rise to meet their capital costs.

How can I tell if my well water is safe to drink?

Artesian well water should be tested periodically. Testingshould be done more often if there is adjacent construction which could disturb the aquifer flow. The Town Sanitation and Health Department offers test kits that test for organic and inorganic impurities.

I prefer natural gas heat to oil heat. Can I have the gas company install and supply a gas heating system?

Not for the foreseeable future. Yankee Gas, which serves part of New Canaan, has no current plans for expanding their lines and service beyond the Ponus Ridge area.