The state is trying to block two Connecticut gas utilities from laying off workers, beginning Monday, a move they saw poses public safety risks.
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and state Consumer Counsel Mary Healey said at a news conference today they have pressed the state Department of Public Utility Control to prevent layoffs at Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas.
The DPUC’s temporary barring the layoffs has expired, both officials said.
The DPUC is holding a previously scheduled hearing on the matter Friday, a DPUCÂ spokesman said.
“The companies have brazenly accelerated these layoffs — seeking to beat the DPUC’s ongoing investigation and make a mockery of state regulators,” Blumenthal said. “We seek an immediate order to block these layoffs — unnecessary and unsafe job cuts that threaten service and safety.”
Blumenthal said CNG and SCG first announced layoffs after utility regulators rejected their requests for higher natural gas rates. The DPUC instead lowered their rates, saying the utilities’ rates already allowed them a profit percentage greater than the 10 percent allowed.
CNG and SCG officials were not immediately available for comment.
