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Top Connecticut Democrats allege that utilities are attempting to silence a political critic


Connecticut Democratic state senators accused the state’s two biggest electric utilities of trying to silence and intimidate Senator Norm Needleman, who has been a vocal critic of the industry. Needleman has been critical of the utilities’ behavior, greed, and fear-mongering tactics in his role as the Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff defended Needleman, condemning the utilities’ attempts to silence and intimidate officials. The utilities, Eversource and United Illuminating parent Avangrid, have complained about unjust criticism and unfair rate decisions by state regulators.

Former Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) chairman Arthur House disputed the accusation of lax regulation during his tenure, calling it false and offensive. PURA, currently led by Marissa Gillett, is at the center of a controversy with utilities over rate decisions that have led to credit downgrades.

Needleman received letters from the utilities accusing him of defamatory speech and intimidation. The utilities deny attempting to stifle legitimate criticism but have expressed concerns about the impact of Needleman’s statements on their employees and customers.

The ongoing dispute highlights the tension between legislators advocating for ratepayer interests and the utilities’ concern about maintaining revenue to upgrade their grids. This clash of priorities has resulted in a legal battle over rate decisions and regulatory oversight of the electric utilities in Connecticut.

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