diff --git a/juju/client/connection.py b/juju/client/connection.py
index 88c31c2ab..a666ae548 100644
--- a/juju/client/connection.py
+++ b/juju/client/connection.py
@@ -93,6 +93,7 @@ def status(self):
             )
 
         if stopped or not connection._ws.open:
+            raise BaseException("FIXME just testing not open")
             return self.ERROR
 
         # everything is fine!