In response to an application from Northeast Utilities (NU) for approval of a merger with NSTAR, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) established Friday a docket and set a schedule for its review of this proposed transaction.
The review of the merger will be conducted under Docket Number 12-01-07, and all documents related to this matter will be available under that docket number on PURA’s website, www.ct.gov/pura
The schedule set by PURA includes a series of hearing in February and calls for a final decision on April 2.
In its January 18 decision, PURA concluded that it has the regulatory jurisdiction to review and approve of the proposed merger between NU and NSTAR. PURA ruled that “it must review and approve, with necessary or appropriate terms and conditions, or disapprove the proposed merger.”
The final decision also contained an order stating that, “NU shall not consummate the proposed merger unless and until the Authority (PURA) has issued a final decision approving the merger.”
NU filed an application January 19 seeking PURA approval of its merger.
Under the schedule set by PURA, it will immediately begin issuing interrogatories – requests for additional documents and information – from NU concerning the proposed merger.
The schedule also calls for:
· Hearings February 14 through February 21 and additional hearings February 27-28.
· A hearing for public comment only, February 22.
· Draft decision issued, March 26
· Filing of “exceptions” to the draft decision, March 29.
· Oral arguments before PURA on the draft decision, March 30.
