Aquarion, the state’s largest water supplier, has completed its ownership transition to the Southern Connecticut Water Authority. The sale occurred months after Attorney General William Tong called for it to be paused, citing ‘math errors.’
Background
In April, Tong and the consumer counsel said that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) missed out on nearly $500 million in potential rate increases. Aquarion, Eversource’s water company, was to be sold to the South Central Connecticut Water Authority back in November 2025. However, a judge ordered PURA to reconsider, which led to another approval in March.
Aquarion’s president, Lucy Teixeria, said that customers should continue to expect the same service. According to Aquarion, its new governance structure allows the municipalities it serves to be represented by a Representative Policy Board.
Some Connecticut Republicans, including State Senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio, have expressed dissent following the announcement. Fazio opposed the transaction, stating it was ‘pushed by Gov. Ned Lamont’ and ‘done behind closed doors, rushed through the legislature, without a public hearing, and ignored serious concerns raised by municipal leaders and ratepayers across our state.’
Other Republican state senators, including Stephen Harding, Heather Somers, Eric Berthel, Jason Perillo, and Tony Hwang, issued a joint statement warning of potential ‘unaffordable water bill rate increases’ due to the sale.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
