_ Environmental Impacts

In 2008, UI’s conservation and load management programs resulted in the reduction of nitrogen oxide by 122 tons, sulfur dioxide by 223 tons and carbon dioxide by 417,409 tons. A decrease in energy consumption reduces emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Electricity generation from non-renewable fossil fuels generates nitrogen and sulfur oxides, and also releases carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a significant factor in global warming.

Nitrogen oxides are precursors to ozone, a primary component of summer smog. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides in particulate form reduce visibility, are associated with public health problems such as asthma, and are linked to acid rain and acid deposits in Connecticut’s rivers and lakes.