UI Seeks Denial Explanation & Special Meeting In Fairfield/Bridgeport Monopole Proposal

FAIRFIELD, CT — United Illuminating is seeking an explanation from the Connecticut Siting Council for the recent denial of the utility company's proposed monopole transmission line project in Fairfield and Bridgeport, Patch has learned.

Additionally, the utility company wants the council to convene a special meeting before Nov. 28 to reconsider the project, which would fall within the 25-day appeal period.

In a letter to the council obtained by Patch dated Tuesday, Nov. 18, UI claims the council "failed to articulate 'an opinion stating in full its reasons for the decision' as well as and 'findings of fact and conclusions of law' that support the Denial."

The council officially denied the proposal on Oct. 16, after non-binding straw votes in months prior went back and forth between denial and approval.

Following that denial, UI sought reconsideration of the project earlier this month, but the council did not take it up, prompting this latest request.

UI's letter adds, "As set forth in UI’s Petition, without any explanation as to why the Project was denied, UI is left with no guidance as to what, if any, issues the Council had with the proposed solution notwithstanding the fact the Council’s October 16, 2025 Remand Decision Documents clearly state that there is a public need for the Fairfield to Congress Rebuild Project and the effects of the Project on the environment are not a sufficient reason to deny the Application."

The letter cites Connecticut statutes that UI claims "requires that the Council 'shall file, with its order [granting or denying an application] an opinion stating in full its reasons for the decision . . .'" and also "requires that the Council 'render a final decision' in any matter pending before it, and that final decision “shall be in writing or orally stated on the record and, if adverse to a party, shall include the agency’s findings of fact and conclusions of law necessary to its decision . . .'"

UI's proposal, which calls for the installation of tall monopoles carrying high-voltage power lines throughout parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport, has been opposed by residents, leaders, businesses and clergy in both communities.

The opponents want the lines buried, instead being placed high in the air; UI has claimed that burying the lines would be signicantly more expensive to do, and would be a huge cost that ratepayers would have to absorb.