Sen. Boucher Statement re: NU and NSTAR Power Merger

Hartford, CT – Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) released the following statement today after the State Attorney General announced a merger between Northeast Utilities (NU) and NSTAR had been reached.

“It is essential that NU’s stewardship of conservation land around the state including some parcels in Bethel and Redding is upheld. The land under NU’s stewardship includes some of the most precious open space in Connecticut.

“I am very encouraged that the agreement will extend an open space land memorandum of understanding with The State Department of Energy and the Environment (DEEP) concerning 375 parcels in 90 municipalities encompassing 8,500 acres of land, until the year 2024. The agreement gives DEEP, the town in which a parcel is located, or a local land trust an option to buy open space owned by NU when the company wishes to sell.

“This land is an important natural resource, enriching both our environment and the lives of many Connecticut residents who use it for recreation.”

The settlement will be filed with Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA). The agreement and the merger will need to be approved by PURA.

Senator Boucher represents the 26th district towns of Bethel, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, Weston, Westport, and New Canaan.