Vote Delayed By CT Siting Council On UI Monopole Project In Fairfield & Bridgeport

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Connecticut Siting Council on Thursday approved a motion from United Illuminating to delay a scheduled vote on the company’s transmission line proposal for Fairfield and Bridgeport, citing the absence of a required member with ecological expertise.

The stay will remain in effect until the council is "properly constituted" with a new member appointed by Gov. Ned Lamont who has experience in the field of ecology, in accordance with state regulations under Section 16-50j. The motion was submitted two days prior to Thursday’s meeting, where a final vote had been expected.

Earlier this month, the council held a non-binding "straw poll" in which members signaled their intention to reject UI’s application. The proposal, known as Docket 516R, involves the construction of tall monopoles to carry high-voltage transmission lines impacting portions of the two municipalities.

UI has maintained that the proposed overhead transmission lines are necessary for improving reliability in the electric grid.

However, opponents, including town officials and residents, have called for the lines to be buried to minimize disruption to neighborhoods and natural landscapes.

UI estimates the cost of burying the lines would add hundreds of millions of dollars to the potential cost of the project, but town officials have reiterated its opposition to the overhead lines and pledged continued advocacy for underground alternatives.

Read More:

• State Council's 'Straw Vote' On Important Fairfield Issue Goes In Town's Favor
• Huge Price Tag For Underground Transmission Line Project In Fairfield & Bridgeport: UI
• Fairfield, Bridgeport And State & Local Legislators Urge Dismissal Of UI Monopole Application
• Court Overturns Controversial Decision; Ruling Is A Victory For Fairfield And Bridgeport
• UI Responds To Mounting Opposition In Fairfield To Monopole Proposal

Fairfield officials and environmental advocates expressed disappointment at the delay but emphasized the importance of full representation on the council before a decision is made.

"While we are disappointed with UI’s 11th hour gamesmanship when it was clear its application would be denied, we want to strongly express our expectation that UI’s proposal must be fully evaluated for its environmental consequences," First Selectman Bill Gerber said in a statement. "We fully expect that any ecology expert who is appointed to the Council will consider the monopoles’ devastating aftermath for future generations."

Gerber urged Gov. Lamont to act quickly in appointing a member with strong environmental credentials, saying the project could have long-term effects on local ecosystems and the state’s environmental standards.

Andrea Ozyck, co-founder of the Sasco Creek Neighbors Environmental Trust, said that while the delay was disheartening for residents closely following the process, the appointment of an ecologist was required by law and essential to a thorough review.

"We continue to place our trust in the Council, particularly those members who have demonstrated a willingness to thoughtfully consider the project’s environmental and community impacts," Ozyck said. "Our hope is that this delay results in a more rigorous, science-driven evaluation of the long-term consequences of UI’s proposal and sets a meaningful precedent for safeguarding the future of our beautiful state. We remain committed to working toward a solution that protects our historic resources, economic vitality, and property rights."

State Sen. Tony Hwang also criticized the delay, calling it "deeply disappointing" and harmful to public trust.

"After months of passionate advocacy, public hearings, and a clear indication of opposition from the Council itself, this delay hands an advantage to a utility company that has consistently avoided meaningful, transparent engagement with affected residents, municipalities, and environmental stakeholders," Hwang said. "This is not how good governance or responsible public behavior should look."

Hwang added, "I urge Governor Lamont to move swiftly and thoughtfully to appoint a qualified, impartial replacement to the Council. Our communities deserve a fully seated Siting Council that can make a timely, informed and accountable decision. We cannot let procedural maneuvering override the clear will of the people and communities. We must keep up the momentum. I stand united with the people of Bridgeport and Fairfield, its businesses, families and advocates alike, in demanding a better, fairer, and more sustainable solution. The fight is not over."