Given the wintry mix we're seeing to start the week, it might be comforting to know that Connecticut Light & Power says more crews are on hand to deal with winter storms.
Connecticut Hearst Newspapers report the utility has 170 contractors working on projects and will be immediately available in case of winter storms.
Spokesman Mitch Gross said contractors are working on capital projects, repairs and upgrades, totaling nearly $300 million related to Tropical Storm Irene in late August and the rare October snowstorm. On both occasions, hundreds of thousands of customers were without electricity for days, many of whom had no power for more than a week.
CL&P, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, faced criticism after the snowstorm for having too few workers available to quickly untangle wires from downed trees and branches.
Gov. Dannel Malloy has promised to seek legislation spelling out performance standards for utilities.
