HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Communications between members of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority between scheduled meetings are off-limits to the public in legislation approved by the General Assembly.

The Journal Inquirer reports the agency regulating electric and gas utilities and water companies said its communications were becoming difficult because of requests citing the Freedom of Information Act.

The three commissioners said they decide ``complex, legal and technical matters'' and discussions at public meetings can take hours.

Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information President Jim Smith said many small towns have three-member governing boards and still comply with Freedom of Information requirements.

Rep. Timothy Ackert of Coventry, the Energy and Technology Committee's ranking House Republican, said transparency remains the objective and it's not affected by the new exemption.