Authorities block gas companies layoffs

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Connecticut regulatory agency has blocked planned layoffs at The Southern Connecticut Gas Company and Connecticut Natural Gas.

The Department of Public Utility Control, following a two-hour hearing on Thursday, ordered a temporary stay of any layoffs at both companies and suspended the hearing until a future date, likely in about two weeks.

DPUC officials say the scarcity of details and the vague responses to written and verbal questions about planned downsizing at both companies made it impossible to determine if the proposed layoffs will place public safety in jeopardy.

The agency says it is urging the gas companies to be prepared at the next hearing to answer the questions DPUC has provided to them.