CL&P brings in more repair crews just in case

BERLIN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Light & Power says more crews are on hand to deal with winter storms.

Connecticut Hearst Newspapers report  that the utility says 170 contractors are working on projects and will be immediately available in case of winter storms.

Spokesman Mitch Gross says contractors are working on capital projects, repairs and upgrades totaling nearly $300 million related to the remnants of Hurricane Irene in late August and the rare October snowstorm. On both occasions, hundreds of thousands of customers were without electricity.

CL&P, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, was roundly criticized after the snowstorm for having too few workers available to quickly untangle wires from downed trees and branches.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has promised to seek legislation spelling out performance standards for utilities.