MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Rob Horowitz
P. 632-0686

Feb. 8, 2010

Steve Archambault, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, today called for a one year moratorium on electric rate hikes.  Archambault urged the P.U.C to reject National Grid’s proposed rate hike now under consideration-- which would increase the average Rhode Islander’s electric bill by more than 11%.

Steve Archambault said, “In these difficult economic times, Rhode Island families are already struggling to pay their bills. This proposed double-digit rate hike is poorly timed and unaffordable.  We need a one year moratorium on electric rate hikes.  Let’s revisit the issue when the economy has recovered.”

Archambault noted that National Grid is a profitable company with no immediate need for an extra cash infusion or increased profits.

He said he would pursue all avenues in seeking to gain the adoption of a one year moratorium including possible state legislation.

Archambault said, “These proposed electric rate hikes on top of Blue Cross rate hike requests pose a potential double-whammy to financially squeezed Rhode Island families.  In late January, Archambault called on the Health Insurance Commissioner Chris Koller to reject proposed Blue Cross’ double-digit  rate hikes and to send the Insurer back to the drawing board.

Archambault, who serves as a Councilman in Smithfield , would bring a broad legal background to the Attorney General’s office. His experience as a police officer, local Prosecutor, and defense attorney, gives him a first-hand understanding of all the major elements of the criminal justice system.