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A nuolear utility considered so risky by investors that it canÛªt raise the money it needs from banks and bonds will be allowed to set custom-, er rates under the highest rate of return ever granted an electric or natural gas utility.</br></br>A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission judge has ruled that the . . Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power L Co. is due at least a 17 percent rate of return on equity, compared with an average authorized rate of return for all electric utilities of 15 percent in 1981.</br></br>, Connecticut YankeeÛªs single asset is a nuclear generating plant, and thus it is viewed as a risky investment, according to Administrative . Law Judge Jon G. Lotis, who granted the higher rate. The ruling must be affirmed by the commission.</br></br>Since the accident at Three Mile Island in 1979, ÛÏinvestors perceive that they have no security for their investment in a company whose sole asset is a nuclear generating unit,Û Lotis said.</br></br>Connecticut Yankee is located in Haddam, Conn., and owned by Northeast Utilities of Hartford and several investor-owned utility companies'in Connecticut. Its customers are the utility companies that own it.