Town Leaders Want More Control Over Power Restoration Efforts

The first selectmen of , Ridgefield, Redding and Newtown are reportedly over how utility companies respond to widespread power outages caused by storms such as in Aug. 2011 and , which hit two days before Halloween.

As per a report in the Wilton Bulletin the four town leaders are asking the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to revise its recent draft report released July 16 (see attached) concerning Connecticut Light & Power (owned by Northeast Utilities) and United Illuminating Co.'s response to the two storms. Specifically they want PURA to strengthen the language that gives local authorities more decision making power on how restoration efforts are prioritized — for example restoring power to shelters and public safety facilities ahead of residential areas. In addition attorneys working on behalf of the towns want each to have its own designated, 24-7 corporate communications liaison and line crew equipped to address its needs.

What's more the four town leaders want language requiring the utilities to clear downed wires from local roadways expeditiously. To that end they are recommending the utilities certify local licensed electricians so they can "de-energize (ground) live wires so that roads can be cleared and opened in a more timely manner for emergency vehicles and passage," according to the Wilton Bulletin report.

PURA's draft report, while recognizing the unprecedented damage from the two storms, found CL&P’s and UI's response “.” Its findings will be taken into consideration when it rules on the next rate request from CL&P and on any request for recovery of costs it incurred as a result of the storms.

For more, check out the Wilton Bulletin report.