Section 16-261 - Extension of electric lines to unserved areas. Determination of rates(a) The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority shall order and direct the 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 Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is directed, in considering the rates of 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 authority shall exercise its statutory powers, except that the guarantee required shall not exceed thirteen dollars and fifty cents per mile per month.(c) The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is directed to advance the objects of this section in every lawful manner.(d) Nothing in this section shall authorize the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to order and direct 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 said authority, exercising its powers under section 16-20, finds such extension to be economically justifiable.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 16-261
(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; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 14-134, S. 99.)
Amended by P.A. 14-0134, S. 99 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2014 Regular Session, eff. 6/6/2014. To refuse an extension, 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 Conn. 359.