CL&P and NEEM Partner to Help AmeriCares Save Energy and Money.

Business Editors

NEW CANAAN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 7, 2002

A unique partnership between the Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and New England Energy Management, Inc. (NEEM) will cut AmeriCares' annual electricity costs by $500 per month.

AmeriCares, the international and domestic disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, today publicly thanked CL&P's Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program and NEEM, a qualified CL&P contractor, for donating the energy efficient lighting and controls that will significantly reduce the organization's electricity costs.

The innovative partnership came about when NEEM President Scott A. Hinson, moved by the World Trade Center tragedy, looked for a way his company could give back to society. Scott decided to help AmeriCares, which has been involved in New York's relief operations, lower its costs. The most logical way to achieve this end was to join forces with CL&P and take advantage of the SBEA program.

SBEA is designed to provide cost-effective, turnkey energy efficiency services for small business customers without the time, financial resources or in-house expertise to analyze and modify their energy usage. NEEM, an approved SBEA program contractor, installed energy-efficient lighting fixtures, saving AmeriCares nearly 66,900-kilowatt hours and a projected $6,000 annually. The project's costs of $32,500 were totally underwritten by CL&P and NEEM. CL&P provided a $13,390 incentive for installing the energy-saving measures and NEEM donated the balance of $19,100.

"Touched by the September 11 tragedy, and recognizing how blessed I have been, I felt the need to return some of the blessings I've enjoyed," said NEEM President Hinson. "Resolving to offer our company's services to AmeriCares was an easy decision to make."

"This is just the latest in a series of conservation projects that are helping Connecticut companies and organizations save energy," said CL&P Conservation and Load Management Director Anthony DeFilippis. "It may not be our biggest project, but it is probably one of the most meaningful for all those involved. We're grateful to have been given the opportunity to play a small role in helping AmeriCares continue its good works."

CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System - the largest electric utility in New England. CL&P provides a wide range of innovative products and energy efficiency services designed to save energy, money and the environment.

Danbury-based New England Energy Management Inc., a recognized specialist in the lighting retrofit business for the past 15 years, has completed more than 350 energy-saving projects throughout the tri-state area over the past 18 months. AmeriCares is the latest beneficiary of NEEM's services.

AmeriCares is a nonprofit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, that provides immediate response to emergency medical needs-and supports long-term healthcare programs-for people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered more than $2.9 billion in aid to 137 nations worldwide. Please help us to continue our relief efforts by sending your cash donations to AmeriCares, 161 Cherry Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 or by calling AmeriCares at 1.800.486.HELP or logging onto www.americares.org.

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