PURA Schedules Hearings on Utilities' Storm Preparation and Response

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) today announced the schedule of public hearings on the preparation and response of Connecticut’s electric distribution companies and gas companies in restoring service following Storm Sandy.

 The hearings will be held on:

 • January 3, 2013 at 6:30 PM – Senior Center, 91 Taylor Avenue, East Haven, CT

 • January 7, 2013 at 6:30 PM – Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT

 • January 15, 2013 at 6:30 PM – Town Hall, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT

 Governor Malloy’s Storm Legislation, Public Act 12-148, requires PURA to review utility company performance when more than 10 per cent of an electric distribution company’s customers are without service for more than 48 consecutive hours, which was the case during Storm Sandy.  The investigation will cover the state’s two major electric distribution companies: The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) and The United Illuminating Company (UI), and also Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, Yankee Gas Services Company and The Southern Connecticut Gas Company. 

 AARP Connecticut fought to secure passage of this legislation in 2012 and ensure that utility customers are protected from unreasonable rate increases as a result of a utilities failure to adequately prepare or respond to a major weather event.

photo courtesy of Claudio Schwarz