Gas company layoffs averted

(WTNH) - Dozens of layoffs at Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas will not happen as planned.

The companies wanted to lay off at least 45 workers. They say sales are down, costs are up and people are not paying their bills because of the economy.

The Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) halted the layoffs at the request of Attorney General Richard Blumenthal who said the job cuts would impact safety and reliability.

"I am pleased that the DPUC heeded our call, and responsibly recognized the need to investigate these layoffs and I am hopeful that it will ultimately preserve jobs, safety and service quality. This order provides critical relief, at least during the ongoing investigation, for employees and customers who depend on safe and reliable gas service," Blumenthal said.

"The inability of the company to answer questions with any specificity at today's hearing made the suspension of the hearing and a stay on any layoffs unavoidable," said Lead Commissioner Amalia Vazquez Bzdyra.

A date has not been set for the next hearing.