Storm Response and Preparedness Updates

August 25, 2020
As I write this afternoon, there are thunderstorms on the horizon. 2020 has been a stormy year, both figuratively and literally. Following the protracted power outages during Tropical Storm Isaias and the actual and scheduled rate increases, both the Public Utilities Regulatory Agency (PURA) and the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee have opened hearings. The first, PURA’s hearing on the Eversource rate increase, was yesterday and can be viewed here.
Public Hearing Thursday

Tomorrow, the Energy and Technology committee's virtual information forum will begin at 10:30 am. This forum will address both the rate increases and storm response by the electric companies. Other utilities will not be included in this informational forum The full agenda can be found here, and includes presentations from the following:

  • Eversource
  • United Illuminating Company/Avangrid
  • Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
  • Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
  • Municipal Officials
  • Dominion Energy
  • ISO-New England
  • Norwich Public Utilities

The committee will be receiving written testimony only from the public. If you or someone you know would like to submit written testimony please follow the directions below and copy my office.

  • For Written Testimony please submit a Word Doc or PDF to - ETTestimony here.
  • To watch the hearing live on Thursday, click here.

PURA Storm Response

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced on August 6th that it will act on the Governor’s request to initiate a comprehensive investigation into how Connecticut’s electric utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), prepared for and responded to Tropical Storm Isaias.

A second PURA hearing, filed as Docket Number 20-08-03, will examine, in detail, measures each company did or did not take in preparation for the storm, which caused widespread power outages and lengthy service restoration timelines. Response and communication were sorely lacking in many instances and both PURA and the legislature will examine these steps in order to address changes for the future. When the date is published, I will provide further information regarding the public comment period and how to participate.

 
Fairfield Delegation Forum

Last Friday, Attorney Lee Hoffman joined the Fairfield delegation, sharing his energy expertise and engaging in a Q&A along with the legislators. His remarks provide helpful insights and context to the energy challenges we are facing with our utilities.

Preparedness

This year is shaping up to be one of the worst hurricane seasons on record. For the first time ever, there have been 13 named storms before September. NOAA in an August 6th press release predicting a more active hurricane season, quotes acting administrator, Neil Jacobs, Ph.D. “It is now more important than ever to stay informed with our forecasts, have a preparedness plan, and heed guidance from local emergency management officials.”

Please be sure that you take the time to prepare. You can find resources here, or here

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While we continue to work to hold our utility companies accountable and improve the service and process, we also need to simultaneously prepare as best we can for future storms. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. As the Scouts say, Be prepared.