New York’s ConEd Faces ‘Steep Penalties’ for Storm Response

Consolidated Edison Inc. and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. are among New York utilities facing “steep penalties” for storm-related power outages that plunged millions into darkness for as long as a week, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

The state has completed the first phase of its investigation into the companies’ responses to Tropical Storm Isaias and found evidence that they failed to properly prepare for it, the statement said. The New York Department of Public Service informed the power suppliers of apparent violations of state law and threatened to revoke their franchises as well as terminate PSEG Long Island’s contract with the Long Island Power Authority. The regulator also determined that utilities must secure additional crews for future storms, among other corrective actions.