UI gives energy saving lessons

ORANGE, Conn. (WTNH) -- A delegation from the Middle East spent time in Orange getting some lessons on saving energy from UI that they can take back to their homeland.

The minds responsible for heating and lighting Pakistan were in CT Monday. Each man represents one of nine different parts of the country.

"Connecticut's very good, very good," said Noor Ahmed Soomro, Sukkur Electric.

Soomro is from the Sukkur province and says he's eager to see United Illuminating.

"We came here to learn," said Soomro, "to see the infrastructures here and the electrical company here."

UI is one of two companies they plan to visit in the U.S. After leaving CT they will head to Ohio.

"Obviously the system isn't working very well," said Masood Malik, Sr. Energy Adviser for Engilitiy.

Which is why Malik helped organize the trip. He says right now Pakistan is focused on improving safety and decreasing losses.

"Academically, they have the education of how electrons flow and how generation and all the distribution takes place," Malik said, "but they're not seeing the state of the art that is found here."

And the hosts are happy to show it off. A group from Mongolia came a few weeks ago.

"I believe that bottom line is, they come in here with an opportunity to learn and we're always learning to share best practices," said Joseph Thomas, VP of Electric Systems, UI.

So, maybe in a year, when a mother in Pakistan glances at her online bill, it will be the same service folks here use.