For immediate release                                                                                  OCT. 31, 2011

HARTFORD -- Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen has posted notice of an abnormal disruption in the market for energy resources pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 42-234, putting wholesalers, retailers and consumers on notice that charging unconscionably excessive prices for gasoline, heating fuels and other energy resources is prohibited.

According to the notice posted on the Attorney General’s website at www.ct.gov/ag/site/default.asp, the abnormal market disruption period began at 3:30 p.m. today and runs through 5 p.m. Nov. 7, unless otherwise amended.

Widespread power outages throughout Connecticut following an early winter storm Saturday have limited access to gasoline and made deliveries of other fuels difficult. 

“Consumers who are already struggling to cope without electricity need to know that unscrupulous dealers will not be allowed to take advantage of the situation by seeking excessive profits,” Attorney General Jepsen said. “If anyone suspects excessive profiteering, they should report it to the Department of Consumer Protection for investigation.”

Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said, “During this life-threatening emergency, we will monitor reports of unconscionably excessive pricing. We expect everyone to act responsibly in helping residents to protect themselves, their families, their homes and their businesses.”

Commissioner Rubenstein encouraged consumers to buy only the gasoline they need, not all the fuel they can, so that more consumers can access supplies at stations that have electricity and remain open.

Reports of suspected profiteering or unconscionably excessive pricing of gasoline or other fuels during the abnormal market period can be made to the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing food.standards@ct.gov.  Please include the business name, its location, and the prices you observed.  Reports can also be made to the Department’s Hotline at 1-800-842 2649 during business hours and at 860-713-6160 after hours and on the weekend.

This is the second time this year that the Attorney General has declared an abnormal market disruption for energy products. The first time was from Aug. 26 to Sept. 6 following Hurricane Irene.

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CONTACT: Susan E. Kinsman, Office of the Attorney General; susan.kinsman@ct.gov; 860-808-5324; 860-478-9581 (cell)

Claudette Carveth, Department of Consumer Protection; claudette.carveth@ct.gov; 860-713-6022