Tracking Sandy: MA Governor says utilities ‘better be’ ready for storm

Patrick: Utilities ‘better be’ ready for storm

BOSTON (AP) – Gov. Deval Patrick is getting tough on the state’s utilities as Hurricane Sandy heads to the region.

Patrick said during his monthly appearance on WTKK-FM on Thursday that utilities have been given until Friday to submit their plans to the state for dealing with the storm.

Utilities came under intense criticism last year following widespread and long-lasting power outages when the remnants of Hurricane Irene and an October snow storm hit the state.

When asked if the utilities will be ready, Patrick responded “They’d better be.”

He says the state is monitoring the storm closely.

Sandy struck Cuba on Thursday and is expected to make its way up the East Coast, where it could combine with a winter storm, bringing gale-force winds, flooding, heavy rain and possibly snow to the region.