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Utilities: Mass. 'Uninformed' About Purchase Deal

BOSTON (AP) -- Northeast Utilities and NStar have told Massachusetts regulators that the Patrick administration's request for a delay in approval of a proposed $4.72 billion deal is based on factual errors and will harm consumers.

The two companies filed objections Thursday with the state Department of Public Utilities. They say the Department of Energy Resources is uninformed about the public review of the proposed purchase of NStar by the Connecticut utility.

A spokeswoman said the energy agency is reviewing the objections and did not immediately comment.

State energy officials say the companies have failed to provide sufficient detail about the environmental and financial benefits of the proposed merger and have not provided "substantive information" on proposed rate changes.

The two companies say the state does not offer a good reason for its request for a delay.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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