Blumenthal Calls for Investigation of Utility Response

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has formally called for 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 nearly since Saturday.

Blumenthal has also requested information from Connecticut Light & Power, United Illuminating and AT&T about their efforts to restore power and phone service. 

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, 550 CL&P Westport customers were without power. The largest outage, affecting 120 people was on Morningside Drive. Other outages are scattered throughout town. The utility projects 100 to 200 people will still be without power tonight and expects full restoration by Friday.

In a formal letter to the DPUC, Blumenthal said: 

"Lengthy delays in restoring service sparked understandable anger and anxiety," Blumenthal said. "The question widely asked is what the reasons were — including possible limits on worker hours to save costs, not assure safety. A separate special investigation should give us answers sooner." 

Blumenthal said the matter must determine whether health, public safety and service were given priority over company profits.  He said a comprehensive review of the utilities' response to the storm should include public hearings in the areas directly affected by the storm. 

"This deadly and destructive storm continues to threaten the health and safety of thousands of our residents," Blumenthal said. "In the aftermath of this storm, even as power and phone service is restored, I have 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.

"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 continued.

Governor Rell has also directed the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to evaluate the adequacy of the distribution companies' response to the storm and assigned the DPUC to participate in that review. 

 "Any review must include public hearings in the areas directly affected by this storm as well," Blumenthal said.

 "Ultimate authority to act belongs to the DPUC, but this investigative effort and possible hearings will help assure transparency and information important to public confidence," he said.