The number of consumer complaints against Connecticut utilities increased last year after four consecutive years of decreases, according to an annual scorecard released Monday by state regulators.

The Department of Public Utility Control investigated 3,900 customer complaints in 2006, a 27 percent increase, the agency said.
 

The largest increases were for electricity and natural gas utilities. Cable companies saw a slight increase, as well.

Total complaints against telephone and regulated water companies decreased last year, the DPUC said.

Common consumer complaints were over power failures, billing and termination, and quality of service.

ING Unit Realigns 2 Operations

ING US Financial Services, part of the Dutch ING Group, said Monday it has realigned its U.S. retirement savings and insurance operations and named Hartford-based executives to head the resulting two units.

The aim is to help consumers create a retirement savings plan that integrates their 401(k) or similar plan in the workplace with their investments outside work, ING said.

ING sells defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, annuities, life insurance, mutual funds, direct banking and other products.

Kathleen A. Murphy, who was group president of U.S. worksite and institutional financial services, is now chief executive officer of U.S. Wealth Management.

The unit includes the defined contribution plans and retail annuity business.

Catherine H. Smith, who was president of ING U.S. retail financial services, is now chief executive of U.S. Insurance. The unit includes life insurance, employee benefits, and group reinsurance businesses.

The realignment doesn't bring job cuts and "reinforces the importance of Hartford in our U.S. business," company spokesman Phil Margolis said.

Travelers Completes Sales Of 2 Businesses

The Travelers Cos. Inc. said Monday it has completed the previously announced sales of its Mexican surety company and Mendota Insurance Co., but did not disclose the price of either deal.

Mendota, which is based in St. Paul, Minn., and writes non-standard auto insurance in 20 states, was sold to a subsidiary of Kingsway Financial Services Inc.

Travelers said Kingsway plans to retain all of Mendota's employees in their current locations, and Mendota's management will continue to lead the organization.

Travelers also completed the sale of a surety company, Afianzadora Insurgentes, S.A. de C.V., to Estrainver S.A. de C.V., a Mexican holding company.

From staff reports

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