Gov Malloy – New legislation will improve storm response

This photo shows some of the downed trees in East Hampton as of Sunday, Oct. 30, in the aftermath of a freakish October storm now dubbed Winter Storm Alfred. File photo by Jean Maheu

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today (March 27) praised legislation that sprang from the disastrous response by Northeast Utilities to the two most devastating storms the state has experienced in years – one in August 2011 (Tropical Storm Irene) and the other in October 2011 (Winter Storm Alfred).

“Last year, we endured two major storms in a little more than six weeks that left many of our residents without power for a significant period of time,” Gov. Malloy said in a prepared statement.

Hundreds of thousands of NU customers were without power, some for as long as nine days.

“Today, we are one step closer to tougher standards for utility companies and improved communication and training for state and local officials. This bill will also ensure that we make necessary investments at the local level in new technology, like microgrids, so that we can be better prepared to weather whatever Mother Nature throws our way,” Gov. Malloy said.

“Emergency preparedness is a process that must continue to evolve.  This bill makes sure that we’ve taken the best of the recommendations of both the Witt Associates and Two Storm Panel Reports and put them into practice.”

The Governor’s bill included both legislative proposals in addition to changes to administrative procedures to improve operations in four policy areas: performance; management and communications; preparedness and training; and infrastructure strengthening.

Posted March 27, 2012

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