Tue, Sep 16

NEWS: CT officials accuse UI of 'choosing profits over people;' utility stands by line upgrade plan

Connecticut’s battle over UI’s transmission upgrade is coming to a head. (CT Post)

  • Officials say United Illuminating’s plan to rebuild lines with 195-foot monopoles will harm property values and local development. They’re pushing for undergrounding instead.

  • Yes, but: UI argues burying the lines would raise project costs from $300M to $800M, with the extra costs falling to CT ratepayers directly (versus spreading the smaller tab across all of New England).

  • Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim: “By continuing to refuse to come to the table and negotiate a route that lessens the environmental, cultural, economic development and personal property concerns of our residents, UI has made it clear that they are choosing profits over people.”

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