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FRONT PAGE

HEAD WILL BE OBVIOUS

B Y K AAREN V ALENTA

A Northeast Utilities (NU) spokesman warned the region's chief officials last

week there is a strong possibility of brown-outs and power outages this

summer.

Three of the state's four nuclear plants are out of service, Chris Swan told

area legislators and municipal chief executives at a meeting of the Housatonic

Valley Council of Elected Officials last Friday in Brookfield.

"This is a regional problem," Mr Swan said. "Connecticut isn't the only state

affected, but we're probably in worse shape than others because of Millstone."

All three nuclear plants at Northeast Utilities' Millstone Point complex in

Waterford are idle because of federal safety concerns; two are not expected to

be back in operation during the months of peak summer use. Besides the nuclear

power plants, a United Illuminating (UI) fossil-fueled plant in Bridgeport is

also out of service.

"We will be purchasing power but you need to be aware of the potential for

power outages," Mr Swan said as he gave the chief executive officer of each

municipality a book on emergency procedures.

"Places like hospitals, police stations and senior complexes aren't involved

[because they usually have backup power systems], but individual residents

should be informed."

Mr Swan said Northeast Utilities is working with the New England Power Pool

(NEPOOL) and the Connecticut Valley Electric Exchange (CONVEX) to try to

insure the region's electric system is well prepared for the challenges that

lay ahead this summer.

Last week the state also announced emergency regulations that would allow

utility companies to use alternative power sources to generate electricity to

head off possible power outages. The state Department of Environmental

Protection said the regulations require utilities to apply for permits to add

more power sources.

The emergency measures authorize Connecticut utilities to install and operate

gas-, oil- and diesel-powered generators at stations in Milford, Hartford,

Groton and Middletown. The utilities are also authorized to contract with

owners of emergency generators to operate their facilities under limited

high-energy demand conditions.

Officials from NU and UI met with Gov John G. Rowland last week to discuss the

emergency regulations. "I think we're in good shape," Gov Rowland said

afterwards.

The utilities believe they should be able to generate enough megawatts to meet

the needs of Connecticut's 1.5 million electric users - no matter how high the

temperatures soar - particularly if consumers do their part by reducing their

use of electricity.

Here are some ways residents can cut down on electricity use in the summer

months:

Make sure your air conditioner filters are clean. Set air conditioners to a

higher temperature during the afternoon hours, when power demands are usually

at their peak. Consider using fans instead, particularly if the temperature is

below 78 degrees F.

Use awnings, blinds or drapes to keep the sun's heat out. Consider using

clotheslines instead of an electric clothes dryer when doing the laundry.

Cover pans when cooking and use exhaust fans to reduce indoor humidity.

Clean refrigerator coils and check for frost buildup in refrigerators and

freezers - dirty coils and frost cause these appliances to work harder.

Use the outdoor grill or microwave when cooking dinner instead of the oven or

stove.

Use major appliances - such as washers, dryers and Jacuzzis - in the early

morning or evening hours.

Take showers and baths during the early morning or evening hours.

Run pool filters at night, not during the day.

Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances.

RDMUST GO

GENNEWS

Block Party

At Nunnawauk

The public is invited to join in the festivities commemorating the 20th

anniversary of Nunnawauk Meadows Senior Housing Complex. The block party will

be Friday, June 28, from 6 to 9 pm, at the facility on Nunnawauk Road (off

Mile Hill Road and Mile Hill Road South), and will feature The Berkshire Bank,

a 17-piece swing band under the direction of Chip Zellner.

Nunnawauk Meadows is owned and operated by Newtown Housing for the Elderly,

Inc, a private, non-profit organization whose board of directors are made up

of Newtown citizens concerned with the quality of life of senior citizens.

Nunnawauk Meadows offers 120 apartments, which provide independent living for

more than 150 senior citizens. The original project in 1976 consisted of 40

units. Three expansions have since taken place, adding a total of 80 more

apartments.

RDFRONT PAGE OR GENNEWS

Holiday Closings

All town offices will be closed on the Fourth of July.

The Cyrenius H. Booth Library, the Senior Center and Board of Education

offices will be closed.

The transfer station at the former landfill will be closed only on July 4; all

other days the regular hours will be followed.

Recycling pickup on the Pendergast routes will be on the regular schedule,

including pickup on July 4. Those routes served by Danbury Waste Disposal will

be delayed one day, with Thursday's pickup on Friday, and Friday's on

Saturday.

The state Department of Transportation said that all roadwork projects will be

suspended from 6 am July 3 until 8 pm July 8 on limited access roadways and

also on most secondary roadways on July 3, 4 and 5.

RD

GENNEWS: 6/28

HARVEST PROGRAM A ONE-STOP SHOPPING CHOICE FOR ANYONE

Registration for the monthly Harvest Program at the Newtown Senior Center will

be accepted through Friday, July 12. Everyone is eligible to participate in

Harvest; there are no income or other restrictions.

Distribution of the food packages will be made Friday, July 26, from 4:30 to

6:30 pm.

The Harvest program involves paying $14 for a food package worth almost double

that amount together with an agreement from the person to provide two hours of

community service sometime during the month. The food package will include

four to six pounds of meats, about seven different fresh fruits and

vegetables, another item or two, such as rice or a mix, plus free Arnold bread

and canned goods. The food is always top quality.

Starting in July, a vegetarian share will be available. Additional produce in

equal dollar amounts will be substituted for the meat items for those who

choose this option.

The program is and easy one-stop shopping way to stretch food dollars while

helping the community at the same time. A typical food basket can provide a

family of four with three or four dinners. Families can even buy two shares,

to stretch their budget even further.

Volunteer opportunities are also available, including helping with

distribution in Newtown. For more information, call Karen Hoyt at 270-4344.

RD

ENNEWS: 6/28

Picnic & Hike

At Steep Rock

NEW MILFORD - The Pratt Center invites the public on a leisurely hike and

picnic in the Steep Rock Preserve on Saturday, July 6, beginning at 11 am. The

center's environmental educator will lead all hikers on a natural history tour

of the area and cover topics, such as local geology, plants and animals.

The hike will lead up to the top of the pinnacle at Steep Rock, where hikers

will enjoy their picnic lunch.

All are asked to wear sturdy shoes and pack water and a picnic lunch. This

program is suitable for anyone age eight and above. Fee is $3 per person,

members are free. Call the Pratt Center, located at 163 Papermill Road in New

Milford, at 355-3137 to pre-register.