Connecticut regulators have made a preliminary decision to reject a 4.1 percent rate increase proposed by The United Illuminating Co.
The draft ruling released Tuesday by the state Department of Public Utility Control comes amid strong criticism from consumers and state officials.
New Haven-based United Illuminating serves more than 320,000 homes and businesses in the New Haven and Bridgeport areas.
State regulators say they were disappointed to learn that the company has granted higher executive incentives and hired more employees than were authorized in the last rate increase.
A United Illuminating spokesman says the company is withholding comment until after it finishes reviewing the decision.
A final decision on the rate increase is expected by Feb. 4. (AP)
