Posted on October 16, 2020
NEWTOWN- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) is reminding Newtown residents that Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will be holding a public hearing on Eversource response to Tropical Storm Isaias on October 21 and 23.
“This is a formal opportunity for us to comment, on the record, and have our voices be part of PURA’s formal investigation of Eversource’s terrible storm response. But, it is more. Eversource and PURA failed Newtown and our surrounding communities. I have already registered to speak on ‘opening day’, Wednesday, October 21. I will keep my oral comments brief, out of respect for all others who will also wish to testify but, I will also submit far more detailed written testimony about that which we experienced and will no longer tolerate.
As I’ve written in great detail and, as was expressed by Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, State Senator Tony Hwang and I at our joint press conference on August 12, 2020 on the steps of Edmond Town Hall, the sum total of what we experienced fell way short of expectations. From the lack of public notice about Eversource’s huge energy-delivery cost increase that was implemented without warning, to the indifference and lack of urgency by Eversource management after Storm Isaias, these hearings are critical to prevent future failures of our systems of regulatory oversight for government-made monopolies and overall preparedness for acts of nature. I’ve publicly proposed solutions but, there are so many other good ideas that must be heard. This is everyone’s chance to do that and articulate clearly our expectations for the reliability, affordability and environmental responsibility of our energy future.”
An important step in this investigation is for PURA to receive oral comments from the public and elected officials. PURA has scheduled three days of public comment hearings on October 21 at 11am and October 22 & 23 at 9am. The hearings will take place using the Zoom platform and the registration information can be found here: http://www.dpuc.state.ct.us/dockcurr.nsf/8e6fc37a54110e3e852576190052b64d/15cb545eb47e7958852585f800699dd2?OpenDocument
Members of the public who wish to participate must register online by following the following signup links: