Oxford's Water Company Seeks 16.8 Percent Rate Increase

Press Release:

Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut (Aquarion) notified the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) of its intent to request an increase in the rates for water service for customers in the Company’s service areas. The increase, which would result in an additional estimated 24 cents per day on an average customer’s bill, reflects an overall rate increase of 16.8 percent, or $26.9 million.

Since the company’s last general rate filing, Aquarion will have invested more than $143 million in critical water utility infrastructure. These essential investments have been made in order to maintain and operate water sources, and to deliver safe, clean water to customers’ homes and workplaces.

The importance of these infrastructure investments is underscored by our system’s exemplary operating performance during the last four major storms. In fact, in the recent blizzard only 25 households, within a served population of 625,000, were inconvenienced briefly.This rate application is necessary to meet the needs and requirements of a modern, reliable water infrastructure system, consistent with ever increasing health and environmental regulatory standards. And while we have worked hard to achieve industry-leading efficiencies, there are key investments and expense requirements that must be made to ensure preservation of public health and fire protection.

“Aquarion takes its responsibility to the 625,000 people we serve very seriously,” said Chuck Firlotte, President and CEO. “Maintaining our commitment to reliably deliver clean, safe water calls for prudent investment in critical infrastructure across ourservice territory.”

Aquarion’s high quality water continues to offer a value to customers at considerably less cost than other utilities. The typical family of four uses about 200 gallons of water a day for cooking, washing, laundry and other uses. If approved, the total cost to AWC’s average customer would be less than a penny per gallon (0.8 cents) or $1.68 per day, comparing very favorably to other typical household utility expenses such as electricity or natural gas.

“We are proud of the fact that we provide our customers with high quality water while maintaining an extremely efficient and cost effective operation,” Firlotte said.

About Aquarion Water Company: Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 47 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S. Based in Bridgeport, Conn., it has been in the public water supply business since 1857. Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices.

For more information on Aquarion WaterCompany and its subsidiaries, please visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.