Dive Summary:
- Connecticut regulators have approved a $300 million plan by Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) to strengthen its electrical system to help avoid extended storm-related power outages.
- The five-year plan has been approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and more than half the money will be spent trimming trees, which is the main cause for downed wires and outages.
- CL&P will begin install thicker wire with a protective coating that can better withstand damage from falling branches.
From the article:
Beginning next year, CL&P will install thicker wire with a protective coating that can better withstand damage from falling branches or trees. The utility also will replace or refurbish utility poles and cross-arms to better tolerate storms and reduce power outages.
Critics faulted CL&P for slow response after two major storms in 2011 — Hurricane Irene that arrived as a tropical storm and a destructive early-season snow storm in October. ...
