In a big step forward for opponents of United Illuminating's monopole plan, the Connecticut Siting Council voted against the proposal to build massive high-voltage power lines from Southport to Bridgeport.

The vote however, was non-binding.

Thursday's straw vote came just weeks after the courts sent the plan back to the Siting Council for further review.

"The impacts on wetlands," Khristine Hall says, "And the impacts on residents are significant."

The proposed 7-mile project stretching along the north side of the railroad tracks and Post Road had previously been approved.

State Sen. Tony Hwang, a strong opponent of UI's overhead monopole plan, says the battle is far from over.

"This is a victory for due process, transparency, and accountability," Sen. Hwang says. "For any community that is going through the citing process."

Fairfield and Bridgeport officials say they'll continue to advocate for burying the lines, but United Illuminating claims that would cost $500 million more than installing overhead monopoles, and Connecticut ratepayers, the company says, would have to foot the bill.

"With Connecticut's high electricity rates continually in the news," United Illuminating said in a statement, "It's frankly surprising to see so many elected officials and their constituents continue to push for a project design that would add half a billion dollars to Connecticut electric rates."

The Siting Council's next meeting is later this month, and a formal binding vote is expected in the near future.