Connecticut Seeks Comments on Investigation into Expansion of Municipal Electric Utilities

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority has issued questions for written stakeholder comment regarding PURA's investigation into the creation and expansion of municipal electric utilities (Docket 12-06-14).

Municipal electric utilities in Connecticut do not offer customer choice.

The questions include:

1. Identify all procedures necessary to establish or expand a municipal electric utility.

2. Identify and provide a draft of statutory enabling language and other related statutory changes necessary to allow for the creation and expansion of municipal electric utilities.

3. If a municipality was to implement or initiate such procedures, discuss the manner of any necessary governmental oversight, ratemaking or regulation of the electric distribution companies.

4. Provide information as to whether any municipality, political subdivision or regional governmental organization independently explored converting to, merging with or expanding the service area of a municipal utility. Has such an event been on a public meeting agenda, discussed or voted on? If so, and the vote or action was in the affirmative, what other steps has the municipality, political subdivision or organization taken?

5. Discuss how acquisition costs could be funded, the tax consequences and the impact of loss of tax revenue such as personal and real estate taxes.

6. Discuss the legal and practical implications of a municipality seeking expansion into current Connecticut Light & Power Company or United Illuminating Company service territory.