Connecticut backs $300 million utility storm plan

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut regulators have approved a $300 million plan by the state's biggest utility to strengthen its electrical system to help avoid extended storm-related power outages.

Connecticut Light & Power said the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved the five-year plan on Wednesday.

More than half of the money will be spent trimming trees, the main cause for downed wires and outages.

Beginning next year, CL&P will install thicker wire with a protective coating that can better withstand damage from falling branches or trees. The utility also will replace or refurbish utility poles and cross-arms to better tolerate storms and reduce power outages.

Critics faulted CL&P for slow response after two major storms in 2011 — Hurricane Irene that arrived as a tropical storm and a destructive early-season snow storm in October.