A.G. Calls for Investigation of Utility Response

Seconding an earlier call for answers from Governor M. Jodi Rell, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today formally asked the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to investigate whether utility companies adequately responded to the massive storm-related power and phone outages that affected more than 5,000 New Canaan households and closed schools for three days.

The governor had announced Tuesday that she had asked the DPUC and the Department of Emergency Management to look into the initial response by Connecticut Light & Power and United Illuminating after the storm hit Saturday. Blumenthal has added AT&T to the list of companies from whom he wants explainations.

As of 6:05 p.m. today, 71 CL&P customers in New Canaan were listed as being without power—most single "no-lights" where the connection between a house and utility pole has been broken. The utility is aiming to have power fully restored by the end of the day.

Blumenthal said in a press release that as the lights and dial tones returned, he has received many complaints from residents, workers, and public officials, "as to the adequacy and efficacy of the electric and phone companies' response to this emergency."

"Lengthy delays in restoring service sparked understandable anger and anxiety," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal said the DPUC's investigation should be kept separate from an ongoing CL&P rate proceeding, and suggested a comprehensive review should include public hearings in the areas directly affected by the storm. The investigation, he said, must determine whether health, public safety and service were given priority over company profits.

"There must be an immediate investigation of the charge that CL&P, UI and AT&T placed higher priority on minimizing overtime costs than on the quick restoration of power and phone service," he said.

Blumenthal has also launched a parallel inquiry in his office, requesting information from CL&P, UI, and AT&T about their restoration efforts.