Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General To Seek Protections For UI Ratepayers In Gas Company Acquisition

October 28, 2010

            Attorney General Richard Blumenthal Said Today He Will Ask The Department Of Public Utility Control (DPUC) To Explicitly Protect Ratepayers From Any Rate Increases Resulting From United Illuminating’s Purchase Of Two Gas Companies -- And Assure They Share In Any Benefits.

            Blumenthal Said He Will File Exceptions To DPUC’s Draft Decision By November 4 Asking It To Set As Explicit Conditions Of The Sale That It Not Increase Rates And That Ratepayers Share In Any Resulting Cost Reductions.

            “My Office Will Work To Shield Consumers And Businesses From Higher Rates -- And Assure Them A Share Of Any Benefits,” Blumenthal Said. “Consumers And Businesses, Especially Small Businesses, Struggling To Pay Record Rates Simply Cannot Afford To Pay More.

            UI Is Seeking To Buy Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) And Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) From Iberdrola USA, Inc.