“Customers still without power face an insulting, slow burn”
“Eversource is all about Wall Street, instead of Main Street”
WATCH:
Sen. Hwang’s on Storm Isaias Update & Eversource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu4b2YIxhw0&feature=youtu.be
Conversation with NBC CT:
Newtown, CT – On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) together with Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal (D-Newtown) and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) on the steps of Edmond Town Hall called for Eversource to improve both its speed and attitude in responding to ratepayers suffering without power to their homes and businesses.
“With customers facing their ninth day in the dark, Eversource should be looking for ways to accept responsibility and admit their surprise at the damage of the storm. The utility was caught unprepared and now should humbly roll up their sleeves and double up their efforts to work harder,” said Sen. Hwang. “Consumers are instead met with arrogance and self congratulation for a job well done.”
Senator Hwang shared his appreciation for the swift and thoughtful efforts of local officials and authorities in making sure that residents were safe and that roads were cleared of debris.
“Our first concern is to reinstate public safety and complete the power restoration to all ratepayers. While Eversource is sharing statistics that their outages are under one percent of their customer base, that small percentage still represents hundreds of homes, businesses, seniors and disabled folks who continue to suffer over a week after the storm,” said Sen. Hwang.
Reports have been released showing that Eversource was dramatically underprepared for the storm. Further news has also indicated how much profit the company is making and how much the board members and higher leadership have been compensated. It seems that Eversource is all about Wall Street, instead of taking care of people on Main Street.
Sen Hwang said, “Eversource should be actively seeking out ways to make their customers whole by offering reimbursements for losses, and showing a detailed plan indicating how this will never happen again.”
“This is not a reflection on the hardworking men and women on the front-lines working to restore power and communicate with what little info they have from management. This is about failure at the top,” said Sen. Hwang.
The CGA Energy & Technology Committee will be holding bipartisan public hearings. PURA is also holding a hearing on rate hikes on August 24th. But keep in mind PURA did approve these rate hikes to begin with. That’s why it’s so important to have all your voices heard at the upcoming public hearing.
To those wanting to participate in the hearing, see below or go to senatorhwang.com.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s hearing will take place on Monday, August 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., via remote access. Access instructions are set forth below. The Authority may continue the hearing on additional dates, as deemed necessary.
Remote attendee access: Docket Participants and interested stakeholders must register through the web link below to listen in to, or to participate in the meeting:
https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqcO2urTosGtGf4iMYOF9fUA1xdzNgkD_6
Meeting ID# 927 7463 1605
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The meeting will be recorded.
How to Submit Testimony:
Letters will be accepted from members of the general public who have an interest in the outcome of this proceeding through the last day of the hearing.
Email your comments, suggestions:
- Email brief testimonial comments to pura.information@ct.gov and include me as well. Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov and we will hand deliver them to PURA.
- Include Docket Number 20-01-01 in the subject line
- Note that your comments will be part of public record
The post WATCH: Sen. Hwang stands with Newtown Officials to demand Accountability, Action and Results from Eversource appeared first on Connecticut Senate Republicans.
