CL&P seeking 2,700 workers to cope with storm

BERLIN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Light & Power says it's requesting 2,000 linemen and 700 tree workers to help with restoration and cleanup work expected when Hurricane Sandy blows through the state early next week.

A spokeswoman said Friday the request was made to utilities in the Midwest, far from where the storm is expected to hit.

The state's largest utility faces its first big test since an autumn snow storm last year left hundreds of thousands of customers without power.

Legislation now requires state utility regulators to establish industry standards for acceptable performance by electric and gas companies in emergencies. Regulators will review damage and outage estimates and restoration work.

Regulators also may establish a program to reimburse residential customers for the loss of food and medications caused by outages longer than 48 hours.