WFSB Channel 3Malloy: CL&P handling of power outages 'unacceptable'

Malloy: CL&P handling of power outages 'unacceptable'

Gov. Dannel Malloy said he's been in touch with the CEO of Northeast Utilities, the parent company of CL&P, and told him the handling of the power outage has been unacceptable, and it's time for him to change the way operation is taking place.

Malloy said CL&P failed to understand the gravity of the situation.

Malloy has hired Washington-based Witt Associates, an independent auditor to look at how CL&P and United Illuminating responded to the storm, and how CL&P and communities communicated.

Malloy said the auditor will interview front line utility workers, managers and town officials.

Malloy said CL&P has failed their own standard and the industry standard even more.

The monopoly is a trust and they have failed that trust.

At a press conference after Malloy's appearance, Jeff Butler, CL&P's CEO, said he welcomes a review of the utility company's strengths and weaknesses.

CL&P needs to work on communication and coordination with towns, he said.

He apologized to towns for not meeting their needs.

"I know there are a lot of people angry with me personally," he said.

He said 97 percent of CL&P customers are back on line now.

Butler continued to promised 100 percent restoration by Wednesday.

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