Hartford - The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority Friday announced that it has opened a public review to evaluate the performance of Connecticut's electric distribution companies and other public service companies in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Sandy.

PURA is required by law to review utility company performance when more than 10 per cent of an electric distribution company's customers are without service for more than 48 consecutive hours, which was the case during the Oct. 29 storm. Information on this investigation, Docket No. 12-11-07, including all documents and rulings, will be updated continuously and can be found at: www.ct.gov/pura.

The investigation will cover the state's two major electric distribution companies, the Connecticut Light and Power Co. and the United Illuminating Co., as well as the Connecticut Natural Gas Corp., Yankee Gas Services Co. and the Southern Connecticut Gas Co. PURA will investigate the state's telecommunications companies, cable television providers' and water companies' performance in a separate proceeding..

PURA invites written and electronic comments from the public, including town officials, regarding their experience with the electric and natural gas utility companies in the aftermath of Sandy. Comments will be accepted until the close of the administrative record of Docket No. 12-11-07. Comments can be sent through the web filing system at: www.ct.gov/pura, or by e-mail at dpuc.executivesecretary@po.state.ct.us or by sending written comments to: Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority; Executive Secretary's Office; 10 Franklin Square; New Britain, CT 06051.