AARP Comment to PURA’s Ruling on Docket 20-08-03

AARP Connecticut issued the following comment in response the Connecticut Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) ruling on Docket 20-08-03 - Investigation into Electric Distribution Companies’ Preparation for and Response to Tropical Storm Isaias:

“AARP applauds PURA on today’s ruling that Connecticut’s Electric Distribution Companies ‘exhibited multiple deficiencies, failing to satisfy established performance standards’,” said John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Advocacy Director. “Connecticut ratepayers already pay the highest rates in the continental United States and as the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue, it’s unfair to add to their burden. PURA’s ruling today imposes a reduction in a return on equity for both companies that will result in savings for ratepayers.”            

He added, “AARP has maintained that the Connecticut utility company response to Tropical Storm Isaias was disastrous and far short of the customer service and competence ratepayers already overpay for in existing rates. It was unacceptable that so many people waited so long for power restoration, causing a loss of food, medicine, and peace of mind during a once in a century pandemic. The breakdown in communication with ratepayers was unacceptable.”

“Moving forward with today’s PURA decision and recently passed ‘the take back our grid act’ legislation, AARP hopes our utilities will only be rewarded for their performance and not for simply being our utilities. Ratepayers, especially older and low-income residents, who are struggling to pay their utility bills along with other household expenses like food and medicine, expect and deserve nothing less.”