HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has another rate hike to fight, promising action against Southern Connecticut Gas' proposed increase.

SCG told the state's Department of Public Utility Control on Friday that it will file the proposed increase by March, hoping to generate an extra 11.9 percent in delivery revenues.

State regulators are already investigating recent earnings by the company that may have exceeded a percentage SCG was allowed.

"April Fools in August may be a common first impression of this outlandish rate increase from Southern Connecticut Gas," Blumenthal said.

"This request would be laughable if these energy costs were less serious for consumers. We renew our demand for a drastic rate decrease, coupled with quick dismissal of this rate increase rate increase request."

SCG would increase revenues by $39.4 million if the rate increase goes through.

According to a report in the Hartford Courant, SCG said lower natural gas prices and lower operation and maintenance expenses led to the alleged overearnings.

Blumenthal recently went against Connecticut Natural Gas and its alleged overearnings, resulting in a recent draft decision from the DPUC that would give line item credits to consumers.

In the year ending April 30, Blumenthal said CNG made $15.5 million more than it was allowed. The company was authorized to receive a 10.1 percent profit margin, but posted earnings of 14.27 percent.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.