Eversource, UI drop lawsuit against Connecticut regulators

Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) have filed a joint motion to dismiss their lawsuit against Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The legal battle, which began last January, centered on allegations that former PURA Chair Marissa Gillett exercised excessive control and bypassed state laws by appointing herself as the presiding officer in hundreds of utility matters. Gillett resigned in October, citing the personal toll of the allegations.

The dismissal follows the appointment of a new PURA chair, Thomas Wiehl, and three new commissioners by Governor Ned Lamont. In their filing, both the utilities and the regulatory agency stated that the new board has agreed to implement reforms to rectify the procedural issues identified in the lawsuit. These reforms include requiring a panel of commissioners to issue rulings on substantive motions and ensuring all votes are recorded with clear identification of presiding officers.

Eversource spokesperson Jamie Ratliff noted that the resolution allows the state and utilities to move forward with a more "constructive, transparent and accountable relationship." While the request for dismissal awaits approval from Hartford Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Stewart, the move signals a significant de-escalation in the long-standing tension between Connecticut's major utilities and its regulatory body.

(Source：Vancouver Star)