Former NStar executive misses utilities hearing

BOSTON (AP) -- A former NStar executive who helped oversee the electric utility's response to Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm last year is getting new criticism after missing a series of Department of Public Utilities hearings.

Attorney General Martha Coakley said Monday she is "disappointed" that Paul Vaitkus, former vice president of the company's electric system operations and transmission development, will not be available to provide "full answers" about its storm preparedness.

Coakley's office is participating in the DPU investigation's hearings on behalf of Massachusetts consumers.

According to an affidavit Vaitkus, who retired from NStar in May, is unable to attend this week's hearings due to his daughter's wedding.

More than 500,000 customers were without electricity in the immediate aftermaths of both the October snowstorm and Tropical Storm Irene in August.