UI Monopole Issue Returns This Week In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — A virtual meeting of the Connecticut Siting Council is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, during which United Illuminating’s proposal to install massive monopoles and new transmission lines through parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport will be discussed, according to Fairfield officials.

Residents are urged to tune into the 1 p.m. meeting, which will be on Zoom. Click here to join the meeting; the Meeting ID is 813 5140 1216; and the Passcode is a39FiM.

The monopole and transmission line issue has been ongoing for the past couple of years, as the utility company seeks to upgrade its electrical service in the area.

In February 2024, the siting council approved a UI plan for monopoles and a high-voltage transmission line north of the Metro-North train tracks, but Fairfield and others sued over the approval and won.

"The CSC will meet on June 12 to decide how to proceed," First Selectman Bill Gerber wrote in a message to constituents on Monday. "Our legal position is clear: The only lawful option is for the CSC to deny Docket 516 and require UI to submit a new application that properly considers alternatives and allows for full public input.

"We are concerned, however, that the CSC may attempt to revive the original south side route, which would be devastating for: Residents and small businesses; Local churches and historic districts; Town character, economy, and property rights."

Below is First Selectman Bill Gerber's message to constituents:

Dear concerned citizens,

I'm writing to ask you to attend the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) virtual meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM. This meeting may determine the future of Docket 516, United Illuminating’s proposal to install massive monopoles and new transmission lines through Southport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport.

The Town of Fairfield, the City of Bridgeport, the Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust (SCNETI), the Southport Congregational Church and BJ's Wholesale Club fought this plan in court and were awarded a victory when it was remanded back to the Siting Council. But the fight is not over.

Why This Matters

Originally, UI proposed building this project on the south side of the Metro-North Railroad tracks—a plan that would have required over 19 acres of permanent easements from homes, businesses, churches, historic properties, and the towns themselves.

But instead of approving or denying that application, the CSC took an unprecedented step: they approved a completely different project on the north side of the tracks—one that UI never designed or submitted. This alternative route posed similar impacts, but with no opportunity for affected property owners to weigh in.

The Town of Fairfield, the City of Bridgeport, and other grassroots organizations including SCNETI, successfully challenged this overreach. In April 2025, the Superior Court ruled that:
· The CSC acted beyond its legal authority
· The public was denied fair notice and participation
· The decision must be remanded back to the CSC for corrective action

What’s at Stake Now

The CSC will meet on June 12 to decide how to proceed. Our legal position is clear:
The only lawful option is for the CSC to deny Docket 516 and require UI to submit a new application that properly considers alternatives and allows for full public input.

We are concerned, however, that the CSC may attempt to revive the original south side route, which would be devastating for:
· Residents and small businesses
· Local churches and historic districts
· Town character, economy, and property rights

Why Your Attendance Matters

This meeting is a critical opportunity to show that our community is still watching and still cares. There is no opportunity for public comment, but we must remind the CSC that we will not accept shortcuts, rehashes, or unlawful decisions.

Our goal: 100+ attendees. Whether you can stay for the whole meeting or just join briefly, your presence sends a powerful message.

CSC Meeting – Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81351401216?pwd=nOfM3dat3At4vty5tabjoTcz2FYj8a.1
Meeting ID: 813 5140 1216
Passcode: a39FiM

To Dial In by Phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 813 5140 1216
Passcode: 950005

Please share this with your neighbors and local organizations. We’ve come this far because of strong, united advocacy. Let’s keep showing up.

I hope to see you on the Zoom Meeting. Together, we can make a difference.

Bill Gerber
First Selectman