The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) said last week it has opened a formal "docket" or review of the performance of "Connecticut’s electric distribution companies and other public service companies in preparing for and responding to Storm Sandy."
Under the rules of so-called Storm Legislation, PURA must 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 review won't be limited to the state’s two major electric distribution companies; Connecticut Light and Power Company and United Illuminating, but will include Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, Yankee Gas Services Company and Southern Connecticut Gas Company.
And according to a press release, "PURA will investigate the state’s telecommunications companies, cable television providers’ and water companies’ performance in a separate proceeding."
From the press release:
PURA’s standard regulatory investigation following major storms, since Storm Gloria in 1985, includes a forensic review of the performance of the electric distribution companies and the gas local distribution companies. Their performance will be evaluated against the Gas and Electric Company Performance Standards PURA recently approved. The standards will include:
- Emergency planning;
- Preparation for the specific storm;
- Restoration performance;
- Plans for mutual assistance and supplemental staff; and
- Communications with municipal and other public officials.
PURA invites written and electronic comments from the public, including town officials, regarding their experience with the electric and natural gas utilitycompanies in the aftermath of Storm Sandy. Comments will be accepted until the close of the administrative record of Docket No. 12-11-07. Anyone wishing to comment on the docket can do so through public hearings that will be scheduled, the PURA web filing system at www.ct.gov/pura, or by email at dpuc.executivesecretary@po.state.ct.us or by sending written comments to:
Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
Executive Secretary’s Office
10 Franklin Square,
New Britain, CT 06051
At the conclusion of this investigation the Authority may order specific remedies, compliance filings and orders. In addition, PURA may determine whether other sanctions are warranted.
Information on this investigation, Docket No. 12-11-07, including all documents and rulings, will be updated continuously and can be found at www.ct.gov/pura.
