John Fonfara

Energy Chair Thanks DPUC For Allowing Utility Merger Hearing

State Senator John W. Fonfara (D-Hartford) responded this afternoon to news that the state Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) would honor his request of earlier today for a public hearing on jurisdiction over a proposed merger between Northeast Utilities (NU) and NSTAR.

“I am very pleased to hear that DPUC has agreed to a public hearing on its jurisdiction over the proposed Northeast Utilities and NSTAR merger, and I would like to thank Chairman DelGobbo for his assistance,” said Senator Fonfara.

“This proposed merger would create the largest utility in New England, affecting well over a million Connecticut residents. Determining DPUC’s jurisdiction over the merger is the first step toward ensuring our ratepayer’s interests are protected,” said Senator Fonfara.

The DPUC hearing has not yet been scheduled, but will be ordered on Wednesday. The State of Massachusetts will begin its own hearings on the proposed merger in April.