PURA Rejects Aquarion Bid, Newtown To Get Break On Water Bills

NEWTOWN, CT — A Bridgeport-based water company serving 56 Connecticut towns, including Newtown, wanted to increase rates by 30 percent.

But state regulators meeting in New Britain Wednesday not only rejected that application, it ordered Aquarion Water Co. to cut their rates by about 11 percent, saving consumers about $67 a year.

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved a decision that rejects Aquarion’s proposed multi-year rate increase and, instead, reduces current customer rates effective immediately.

PURA commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the decision in Docket No. 22-07-01.

PURA Chairman Marissa P. Gillett and PURA Commissioner Michael A. Caron voted to approve the decision and PURA Vice Chairman John “Jack” Betkoski III dissented.

According to PURA, the decision will decrease the average residential customer’s total bill by approximately $67 per year and it represents results an 11 percent decrease.

Aquarion’s last rate case was completed in 2013. It currently serves 207,000 customers in 56 Connecticut municipalities.

The decision pleased Connecticut Attorney Genereal William Tong, who earlier expressed opposition to Aquarion's rate hike request.

He said Aquarion originally sought a 30 percent rate hike over three years.

“This is 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 Tong in a statement. “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."

For the full PURA decision and several supporting documents, click on this link.

For Connecticut Attorney General William Tong's full statement, click on this link.

For more information on Aquarion Water Co., click on this link

With Michael Lemanski