HARTFORD — - Energy Secretary Might Snuff Cross-Sound Cable

HARTFORD — The United States secretary of energy will reconsider his decision to energize the Cross-Sound Cable that runs underwater from New Haven to Shoreham, on Long Island.

In a notice issued today, the secretary, Spencer Abraham, granted Connecticut authorities a "request for rehearing." He did not, however, reverse his original order, which has kept the cable powered on an emergency basis because of the Northeast blackout in August.

The cable does not meet state permit requirements because it is not buried deep enough in certain areas. This month, Connecticut appealed Mr. Abraham's decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Connecticut's attorney general, Richard Blumenthal, said that the power emergency no longer existed, and that Mr. Abraham's order violated federal law.

"We welcome the secretary of energy's acknowledgment that his Cross-Sound Cable ruling should be reconsidered and hope to persuade him promptly that his original order was illegal and ill-advised," Mr. Blumenthal said. "Plainly his decision to rehear the issues reflects the gravity and significance of our court challenge as well as our rehearing request."

Mr. Abraham could make a decision in November. If he rules against Connecticut, Mr. Blumenthal said, the state will continue to pursue its court case against the federal government. "The absence of a stay means we must continue to pursue all available remedies," said Mr. Blumenthal, referring to Mr. Abraham's decision to allow Cross-Sound to keep the cable powered.

The federal Department of Energy originally ordered the cable to be turned on for a limited time during the Aug. 14 blackout. New York State officials called on Mr. Abraham to continue that emergency order, claiming there was a need for the additional electricity given the uncertainty about the wide-ranging blackout's cause.

The cable is not now sending power to Long Island. Because the cable is online, however, it could begin sending power on a moment's notice.

Rita Bowlby, a Cross-Sound Cable Company spokeswoman, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Connecticut and its supporters have until Oct. 16 to submit briefs to Mr. Abraham. Those who oppose the state have until Oct. 27.