 | | 5/17 | | | 5/17 | | | 5/18 | | | 5/19 | | | 5/20 | | | 5/22 | | | 5/23 | | | 5/24 | |
|
|
More
|
|
|
|
Goverment Updates |  | |
November 2011
REP. BARAM SEEKS REBATES FOR CUSTOMERS IF UTILITIES UNDERPERFORM IN STORMS
Ramps Up Calls For Service Standards During Power Failures
State Representative David Baram (D-Bloomfield, Windsor) Thursday urged legislators to consider measures that go far beyond already proposed standards and penalties for power restoration after storms and other devastating events.
“I wholeheartedly endorse the call yesterday by House Speaker Chris Donovan and Rep. Vickie Nardello for new power restoration standards and penalties, but we need to go much farther and directly compensate the people who have suffered financial damages as a result of utility companies failing to live up to reasonable expectations,” Baram said.
“Lives have not only been disrupted but also put at risk because of the way utility companies have handled these emergencies,” Baram said. “In just the last three months, we have had two devastating storms, not to mention an earthquake, that have dramatically altered people’s lives and businesses.”
Baram said he supports Donovan’s proposed legislation seeking fines of 2.5 percent of utility company’s transmission and distribution revenues for failing to meet standards, but said part of the fines should be used to directly compensate utility customers who suffered damages.
“I’m proposing that a portion of the fine be allocated to reimburse ratepayers a certain percentage of their bill to help offset costs incurred in lost food, medical assistance, alternative housing and removal and repair of damage to property. Perhaps a rebate or credit back to homeowner on their utility bill,” Baram said.
“And not only should there be standards for service restoration, but also we should have a detailed priority plan for reconnecting customers. And we need legislation requiring the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to take a more aggressive stance for the consumer on utility matters,” Baram said.
Baram said he was frustrated and upset by Connecticut Light & Power Co.’s treatment of Bloomfield and Windsor. He said there were only two restoration crews in Bloomfield Wednesday but they were diverted to Simsbury. This was contrary to representations made to Rep. Baram that 15 crews were being assigned to Bloomfield that day. CL&P representatives told Baram the crews either did not show up or were diverted to other towns, Baram said.
“Bloomfield and Windsor have not received the service that should have been given,” Baram said.
“I will be submitting legislation to require utility companies to file yearly emergency plans, including the number of contracted linemen and information on reciprocal aid agreements with other states and countries. I also want to require them to pay outside linemen used for emergency repairs within 30 days from date of billing,” Baram said.
“Municipalities also should be granted authority to hire linesmen, tree cutters and electricians to assume responsibility if the utility does not meet its benchmarks and those costs would be paid by the utility company,” he said.
“The emergency plans should provide that hospitals, senior complexes, nursing homes, medical facilities, gas stations and grocery stores be given priority,” he said. “And towns with highest number of seniors should be given a higher priority.”
“I also will be asking state Attorney General George Jepsen and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to intervene in the proposed merger of CL&P and NStar in Massachusetts to make sure Connecticut consumers are adequately protected against excessive rate increases and ensure adequate service.
“Despite the poor performance of CL&P, the towns of Windsor and Bloomfield have done an admirable job of providing shelter and assistance to their residents,” Baram said.
Rep. Baram represents the 15th Assembly District, which includes Bloomfield and Windsor.
David A. Baram
5 Warbler Circle
Bloomfield, CT 06002
243-3041 - h
242-5555 - w
baram4@aol.com
|
|
|
|
|
