HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen released a statement on Friday related to a notice of intent filed by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P).
CL&P filed the notice to apply for a rate increase with the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Jepsen urged PURA to examine CL&P's application, given the high utility rates in Connecticut.
"Connecticut's electric rates remain extremely high," Jepsen said. "Any and every proposal to increase those rates must be thoroughly scrutinized. My office will participate in this proceeding, and I will urge PURA to approve rates that are no more than just and reasonable, as required by law."
In March, Jepsen withdrew a petition seeking penalties against CL&P after it allegedly impeded and impaired PURA's inquiry into power restoration following the October 2011 nor'easter. After discussions with Jepsen's office, CL&P's parent company, Northeast Utilities, agreed to donate $2.5 million to Operation Fuel, a Connecticut nonprofit that provides energy assistance to households in need.
Jepsen said CL&P's application must be thoroughly reviewed.
"While I understand the need to upgrade infrastructure and resiliency following the major storms our state has experienced, every proposed expense must be - and will be - carefully reviewed and evaluated," Jepsen said.
CL&P maintained it did not commit any wrongdoing in the PURA inquiry.
Connecticut AG urges PURA to scrutinize rate increase
