Connecticut House Bill HB05196

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Repair And Restoration Of Electric Service By Municipalities.

Impact

The impact of HB 05196 on state laws revolves around its aim to enhance the responsiveness of municipalities during electrical service outages. By establishing a framework that permits local governments to directly engage repair services, the bill is expected to improve the overall efficiency and speed of repair operations. The law would clarify the relationship between municipal authorities and electric utility providers, thereby fostering a more collaborative effort in managing electrical infrastructure and maintenance responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 05196, titled 'An Act Concerning Repair And Restoration Of Electric Service By Municipalities', was introduced with the primary goal of streamlining the process for municipalities to handle electric service outages. The bill allows municipalities, under the oversight of electric distribution companies, to contract for the necessary repairs and restoration of electric services when outages occur. This change aims to expeditiously restore service to affected areas, emphasizing the need for municipalities to have a structured means to address service disruptions effectively and in a timely manner.

Contention

Potential points of contention regarding HB 05196 may arise from the financial implications of the contract costs associated with repairs. Specifically, the bill permits municipalities to recover expenses related to these contracts from the electric distribution companies involved, while simultaneously stating that these costs cannot be recuperated by the electric companies themselves. This stipulation could create disagreements over cost allocation and accountability in service restoration processes, as electric companies might argue against the financial burden imposed by municipalities. The balance between municipal authority and utility company responsibilities may provoke further debate among stakeholders.