UI, SCG, and CNG Strengthen Municipal Partnerships Through First Joint Utility Meetings of 2025
Quarterly meetings were held in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford counties, strengthening collaboration and coordination on infrastructure projects
ORANGE, Conn. — April 4, 2025 — United Illuminating (UI), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., have successfully completed their first-quarter joint utility meetings. Held in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), Aquarion Water Company, Frontier Communications, and municipal leaders, these meetings enhance coordination on upcoming infrastructure projects, improve communication, and minimize disruptions for residents, businesses, and traffic.
“Strong partnerships with municipalities and other utilities are critical to keeping infrastructure projects on schedule,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI, SCG, and CNG. “However, continued investment is essential to modernizing infrastructure and maintaining reliability. Without adequate funding from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), aging infrastructure will continue to deteriorate, leading to increased service disruptions. We look forward to continued collaboration with municipal leaders to minimize disruptions and ensure safe, reliable service.”
For the past 15 years, UI and SCG have coordinated these meetings, and this year marks CNG’s first participation. During the first quarter, UI and SCG hosted meetings in Fairfield and New Haven counties, while CNG held its session in Hartford County. These meetings provide a structured forum for utilities and municipalities to align on project timelines, locations, and potential impacts, such as roadwork and paving schedules. Early coordination helps streamline planning, prevent unnecessary repaving, and minimize disruptions to residents and businesses.
"Upgrading and maintaining electric infrastructure requires close coordination with municipalities," said Jim Cole, Vice President of Projects at Avangrid. "By engaging with local officials early, we can align project schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and address any questions or concerns to ensure smooth project execution."
“Natural gas infrastructure projects often involve significant roadway work, making collaboration with municipalities essential,” said Al Langland, Vice President of Gas Operations and Engineering at SCG and CNG. “These meetings allow us to synchronize construction schedules with paving plans, reducing rework, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring timely project completion.”
Despite proactive planning, UI faces funding constraints that may impact future projects. Following PURA’s 2023 rate case decision (Docket No. 22-08-08), UI’s capital investment was reduced by $70 million, an 87% cut from its requested amount. As a result, UI has had to reduce its capital budget, delaying infrastructure upgrades and slowing progress on grid modernization and clean energy initiatives.
While these quarterly meetings are crucial for project coordination, continued investment is necessary to maintain a reliable and modern energy infrastructure. UI, SCG, and CNG remain committed to working with municipalities, industry partners, and regulators to advance critical infrastructure improvements efficiently and with minimal disruption.