Official Asks CL&P to Buy Customers Generators

After three storms in 15 months caused massive and extended power outages, Ridgefield's first selectman is asking Connecticut's largest utility company to help state residents buy small generators to keep the power on during major storms.

During Tropical Storm Irene in August 2011, more than 800,000 homes and businesses lost power. In October, a freak snowstorm again caused massive and extended power outages. Superstorm Sandy left thousands in the dark again this month. 

The New Times of Danbury reports
that First Selectman Rudy Marconi asked Connecticut Light & Power to use its purchasing power to buy generators at a reduced price and sell them to customers.

He suggested that customers can pay an amount monthly to eventually own the generators.

Mitch Gross, spokesman for CL&P, said the proposal is worth consideration.

He said the suggestion might be included in the utility's review of its work following Superstorm Sandy that pounded the Northeast last month.

Two other area first selectmen, Natalie Ketcham of Redding, and John Hodge of New Fairfield, said they back Marconi's idea.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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