June 8, 2009 — Press Release

BOSTON — Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) today came out in support of Attorney General Martha Coakley's request that the Department of Public Utilities levy a fine of $4.6 million on the Unitil electric company. The Attorney General's office found that Unitil reacted inappropriately to the December 11th ice storm with inadequate damage assessment and a deficient emergency response plan.

"This fine puts utility providers on notice that the health and safety of utility consumers needs to be their primary focus during an emergency," said Benson. "Unitil's inaction during the December 11th storm put my constituents at risk and the Commonwealth needs to hold Unitil accountable."

Benson worked closely with the Attorney General's office during their investigation, giving testimony, providing supporting documentation, and facilitating contacts between constituents and the AG's office. Benson met regularly with representatives from Coakley's office to ensure that the investigation was making progress and that they had all of the information they needed.

"We believe that the fine and the improvements to Unitil's storm operations that we recommended to the DPU are necessary and appropriate to ensure that Unitil-and other utilities-will be better prepared to handle a severe storm in the future," said Attorney General Coakley. "We appreciate Representative Benson's assistance as we have proceeded through this investigation and commend her and her colleagues in the Legislature for their tireless advocacy on behalf of their constituents"