PURA tells parties to press forward with discovery as Eversource warns securitization timing is critical

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) directed parties to proceed with issuing outstanding interrogatories on an Eversource securitization docket while the authority prepares a formal ruling on a motion from the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC).

The instruction came during an informal scheduling conference called to address discovery timing and whether hearings on Connecticut Light and Power Company, d/b/a Eversource Energy’s application to securitize catastrophic storm costs for 2018–2023 should start as scheduled on March 24. Chair Tom Wheel said the agency will issue a written ruling but, from the bench, told participants to “go ahead and issue those interrogatories” so work on discovery can continue. (Tom Wheel is Interim Chairman, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.)

Why it matters: Eversource said the timing of PURA’s prudency decision is on the critical path for financing that would enable securitization, which in turn affects rate‑setting and other customer‑facing proceedings. Doug Horton, an Eversource representative, told the authority “the carrying charges are accruing, and they are real, in a…