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August 22, 2006

Judge denies Tiverton motion to block gas co. merger

PROVIDENCE -- A Superior Court judge has denied an attempt by the town of Tiverton to block National Grid's plan to buy the Rhode Island assets of New England Gas Co.

Judge Alice Gibney this morning called Tiverton's effort "a cheap shot," denying its motion to "stay," or set aside, the state's approval of the electric company merger.

Gibney said that Tiverton had ample time to take legal action while the merger was being reviewed by the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, which ultimately approved the plan.

“Tiverton chose to sit on its hands during the lengthy proceeding,” she said. And the town did so "at its peril."

The town's appeal claimed that the DPUC erred in its decision because it didn't require Southern Union, the parent of New England Gas, to put funds into an escrow account in case Southern Union is found liable for cleaning up a major hazardous waste site in Tiverton.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples, with reports from Journal staff writer Gina Macris

Posted by Steve Peoples  at 12:54 PM | Permalink

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