http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Jeff%20Cohen/2012_01_09_JC%20120109%20Two%20Storm.mp3
A review panel created by Governor Dannel Malloy is calling on utilities to improve their planning and staffing for major storms. But as WNPR's Jeff Cohen reports, the end of the panel could the beginning of public debate.
What would you say to this? Pay more on your electric bill and get wires, poles and towers that are more reliable. That's the pitch from Connecticut Light & Power, part of a $2.2 billion proposal to upgrade the state's electric infrastructure.
"Their proposal was a 10 percent increase in your monthly bill, for a 30 to 40 percent increase in the reliability of the system."
That's Joe McGee, co-chair of the governor's panel that reviewed response to Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm that followed. Both storms left hundreds of thousands without power for days. Now, McGee says, the question is whether the public would support higher bills.
"That's the great public debate. It needs to be transparent, and that's where we want to begin this conversation."
McGee and the Two Storm Panel unveiled 82 recommendations to improve the way the state responds to major weather events that threaten public safety and the power grid.
Other recommendations included coming up with performance standards for the state's various utilities, as well as devising a system of penalties should they under perform. Also, the panel said the utilities have a labor relations problem. Again, Joe McGee.
"We recommended in the report that a labor management committee would be created particularly at CL&P and that there was a toxic environment in that labor relations area."
Governor Malloy told reporters that he will announce specific ways to implement the recommendations of the panel later this week. He says that could include legislation and executive orders.
