Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Praises Final DPUC Decision Effectively Rejecting UI Rate Increase

February 4, 2009

"This victory belongs to consumers who deluged the DPUC with their outrage and opposition to United Illuminating's overreaching, unsupportable $81.5 million grab.

"United Illuminating's rate hike request -- an absurd nonstarter -- was rightfully rejected. The request was unconscionably loaded with steep raises for high-paid executives and other extraordinary excesses.

"My office fought hard for this final decision -- I appeared at all three public hearings -- because now is not the time for excessive executive compensation and play money.

"The message to United Illuminating is clear: Consumers are struggling to make ends meet, clinging to homes and jobs, tightening their budgets, and public utilities should do more with less as well."