Gov. Dannel Malloy said he plans to propose legislation that could lead to new performance standards that utilities must meet when responding to storms and emergencies.
Utilities could face fines if they do not meet the standards.
On Wednesday, the governor presented his proposals to improve disaster response following two storms that knocked out power for days to much of the state. He is also calling for a real-time statewide preparedness training exercise, to be held before September.
His package of proposed legislation and recommendations were unveiled at a news conference in Simsbury, where some residents were left without power for 12 days following the freak October nor’easter.
It includes an extra $1 million for Department of Transportation tree maintenance and filling the position for the deputy commissioner for emergency management.
He said his administration is taking a "step-by-step approach" toward improving the state's preparedness and emergency response systems.
