Cabrera: Eversource Trying To Recover Storm Funds ‘Unacceptable’

HAMDEN, CT — State Sen. Jorge Cabrera is calling Eversource’s attempts to recover millions of dollars from ratepayers for costs related to Tropical Storm Isaias “entirely unacceptable.”

The Hartford Courant reports the company’s CEO James Judge told industry analysts this week that Eversource expects Connecticut regulators to eventually allow it to recover what it spent on the storm.

Cabrera represents three towns, Beacon Falls, Bethany and Naugatuck, that he said were adversely affected by Eversource’s slow response to the tropical storm. Cabrera, a Democrat, represents the 17th District, which also includes parts of Ansonia, Derby, Hamden and Woodbridge.

"Eversource seeking to recover funds from Connecticut ratepayers after the companies' poor response to Tropical Storm Isaias is entirely unacceptable," Cabrera said in a statement. "Many across the state, and specifically in my district in Naugatuck, Beacon Falls and Bethany, were left without power for days due to the slow storm response from Eversource. This resulted in many, who had stockpiled groceries due to the pandemic, watching their food spoil and medications that required refrigeration go bad. The cost burden of Isaias should not fall on the shoulders of Eversource's customers who suffered through days of miscommunication and a long-lasting power outage.

“During a time when some Connecticut residents and families are struggling financially, I find it incredibly inappropriate to expect them to foot the bill for Eversource's errors. I urge the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to deny these costs being levied on Eversource's customers."

In 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias tore through Connecticut, leaving hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents without power. In certain parts of the state, some were without power for up to nine days. To address Eversource's poor storm response, the General Assembly passed a bill that will require electric utility companies to pay customers a maximum of $250 for spoiled food and medication if a power outage lasts longer than four days. Additionally, for outages lasting longer than 96 hours, customers are to be credited $25 per day.