Northeast Utilities’ newly acquired Boston electric subsidiary NStar is facing a $10 million fine for its response to the 2011 power outages caused by Tropical Storm Irene in August and the Oct. 29 snowstorm.
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley requested the Department of Public Utilities assess a $9.7 million fine against NStar for its lack of preparation and response to the storms, causing extended outages. NStar is disputing the claims.
NU acquired the Boston electric subsidiary and its natural gas counterpart in April when it completed its $5 billion merger with NStar. Former NStar President and Chief Executive Tom May now leads NU, which now has dual headquarters in Boston and Hartford.
NU has faced much more adversity in Connecticut than Massachusetts for its response to the two major storms in 2011. Its Berlin electric subsidiary Connecticut Light & Power already issued a $27 million rate credit to customers, and Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen has requested CL&P be fined up to $150 million for its response to the storms.
