Eversource Restoration Efforts

I want to provide you with some information that I hope you’ll find helpful in the wake of Tuesday’s storm, which knocked out power for residents throughout Connecticut and caused Gov. Lamont to declare a state of emergency.

But first, I want you to know that I am as frustrated about this situation as you are. It seems that Eversource was wholly unprepared for the storm’s impact, and the organizational aspects of their response have been woeful. Communication to municipalities hasn’t been great, and Eversource has been slow to declare downed wires as safe—a necessary step to allow public works employees to remove debris so restoration crews can do that work.

Governor Lamont has activated the national guard to help. That aside, I certainly support his call to have state utility regulators investigate Eversource’s preparation and response.

As it stands, there are roughly 414,000 Eversource customers without service. Company officials estimate that restoration will be “substantially complete” by midnight Tuesday, with “many customers being restored sooner.” Eversource said that it will issue a town-by-town restoration project list soon.

As you’re aware, all of this comes at a time when many Eversource customers have seen their electric bills spike. My colleagues and I were successful in our recent effort to get state utility regulators to review the situation, and as I mentioned previously, they’ve suspended the recent delivery rate increase for future billing. Again, a hearing will be held on this issue, and I’ll let you know if there are decisions that would affect the bill you already received.

State of Connecticut Insurance Department: Information for consumers on steps to take in wake of Tropical Storm Isaias

If you have suffered damage due to Tropical Storm Isaias these are the steps to take immediately:

Take photos of the damage and remove personal property if your home cannot be secured. Do not dispose of property until an insurance adjuster has reviewed it for your claim.

If you can still live in the home, talk with your agent about critical repairs that need to be made. Whether you make the repairs or hire someone, save the receipts for your claim.

If you need to find other lodging, keep records of expenses and all receipts. Homeowners and renter’s insurance generally provide limited coverage for expenses like: meals, rent, utility installation and transportation.

Reporting Your Claim:

Most insurance companies have a time requirement for filing a claim. The process will go faster if you can locate a copy of your policy and home inventory.

Call the company or visit a mobile claims center to start your claim. If you need help locating your company or agent, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at 800-203-3447 or use our online contact options.

You will be asked to list all items destroyed, damaged or missing. If you do not have a home inventory, begin making a list of items going room by room from memory and include as much detail as possible. Home Inventory checklist.

If your car is damaged while in your garage/carport, it is covered by your automobile policy—not your homeowners policy. If you are insured by two separate companies for these coverages you must file a claim with both companies.

If you have difficulty reaching your insurer, have a claim dispute or have questions on any insurance-related topic you can reach us by Phone (800) 203-3447 or (860) 297-3900 Or online.

As a safety measure, the office is currently closed to public visitors.
Further tips on filing your storm related claim can be found here.

I hope you and your family remain safe over the coming days, and I’ll share additional information as Eversource provides it.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns pertaining to state government.

Sincerely,
State Representative Cara Pavalock-D’Amato