Sec. 16-261. Extension of electric lines to unserved areas. Determination of rates. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 16-261. Extension of electric lines to unserved areas. Determination of rates. (a) The Department of Public Utility Control shall order and direct the electric and electric distribution companies providing electric distribution services in this state to extend lines in their chartered territory to all unserved areas having a density of subscribers for electric distribution service averaging at least two per mile on such proposed new lines, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

      (b) The Department of Public Utility Control is directed, in considering the rates of electric or electric distribution companies or in the proceedings having to do with such rates, to consider the expenses and revenues of each company as a whole, in arriving at a fair return on the fair value of such properties. In prescribing a rate for service on such new lines, the department shall exercise its statutory powers, except that the guarantee required shall not exceed thirteen dollars and fifty cents per mile per month.

      (c) The Department of Public Utility Control is directed to advance the objects of this section in every lawful manner.

      (d) Nothing in this section shall authorize the Department of Public Utility Control to order and direct electric or electric distribution companies to extend their lines in their chartered territory over or under any body of water or elsewhere than along public highways unless such department, exercising its powers under section 16-20, finds such extension to be economically justifiable.

      (1949 Rev., S. 5673; 1955, S. 2616d; P.A. 75-486, S. 1, 69; P.A. 77-614, S. 162, 610; P.A. 80-482, S. 114, 348; P.A. 98-28, S. 102, 117.)

      History: P.A. 75-486 replaced public utilities commission with public utilities control authority; P.A. 77-614 replaced public utilities control authority with division of public utility control within the department of business regulation, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 80-482 made division an independent department and deleted reference to abolished department of business regulation; P.A. 98-28 amended Subsec. (a) by changing electric utility companies distributing current to electric and electric distribution companies providing electric distribution services and amended Subsecs. (b) and (d) by adding electric distribution companies, effective July 1, 1998.

      To refuse an extension the commission must find facts from which it reasonably concludes that the order for extension would amount to a use of the company's property without just compensation or to the imposition of a discriminatory rate upon other subscribers. 142 C. 359.