Rate Decrease Ordered For Aquarion: What This Means For Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Wednesday rejected Aquarion Water Company’s proposed multi-year distribution rate increase and instead ordered a rate decrease, according to a news release.

Aquarion had proposed a $36 million rate hike, which would have increased water rates by more than 30 percent over three years for 207,000 Aquarion customers across 56 cities and towns in Connecticut, including Darien.

Wednesday's decision will decrease rates by nearly $2 million, and decrease the average residential customer's total bill by approximately $67 per year, the Authority said.

"Today’s decision by PURA to order a small rate decrease instead of the proposed 30 percent rate increase is very good news for our residents," Darien First Selectman Monica McNally said in a statement to Patch.

"As I pointed out in my testimony to PURA in October of last year, the requested spike in rates, combined with the overall increase in the current cost of living due to record high inflation, would have a negative impact on all of our homeowners, businesses and the municipal operations of our town itself," McNally added.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it "an aggressive" pro-consumer decision by PURA.

"Connecticut families pay far too much for their utilities. This relief is well-timed and sorely needed," said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong in a news release."My office opposed this hike from day one. I thank the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and particularly Chairman Gillett for her leadership on behalf of Connecticut consumers."

Aquarion expressed disappointment Wednesday on PURA's order, and said they will evaluate the decision in the coming days and determine next steps.

"From aging infrastructure and lead service lines, to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water threatening human health, the water industry faces serious challenges that can only be met through prudent, sustained investment in our State’s water infrastructure. Regrettably, PURA’s decision is silent on how to address these challenges with reduced resources," Aquarion said in a statement.

"Aquarion is committed to our mission of providing safe, high-quality water to our customers at affordable rates. We are equally committed to delivering the modern water infrastructure essential to fulfilling that mission."

Read more on PURA's decision here.