The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has ordered a rate decrease for Aquarion Water customers and it is effective immediately.
Aquarion Water Company had proposed a $36 million rate increase. PURA rejected the rate increase and ordered the decrease on Wednesday.
According to Attorney General William Tong, the requested rate hike would have increased water rates by more than 30 percent over three years for 207,000 Aquarion customers in 56 cities and towns in Connecticut.
The decision will decrease rates by nearly $2 million, which will cut the average residential customer's total bill by $67 a year.
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“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,” Attorney General Tong said in part in a statement.
Aquarion says it is disappointed with by PURA's decision.
"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," the company said in a statement.
