CT Senate GOP to PURA on Future Aquarion H2O Sale Decision: “Vote No”

Sen. Tony Hwang, Sen. Jason Perillo, Sen. Ryan Fazio and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s plans to issue a final decision on Nov. 19 on the proposed sale of Aquarion Water Co. to a newly created nonprofit entity.

“ ‘Vote no’.

That’s our message to state regulators who have an opportunity to reset PURA’s chaotic course.

We could not be clearer. This deal absolutely stinks.

Let us count the ways.

This deal:

• will raise consumers’ water bills
• had no public debate or public hearing
• was not vetted, explored, or investigated
• will end state oversight from PURA regarding Aquarion customers’ rates
• will end input from municipalities and diminish local voices and local decision-making
• will lower property tax revenue
• will negatively impact water quality, watershed land, open space preservation and wastewater treatment management.

The 50-page special session legislation that led us to this point was only released hours before we voted on it. We were shocked to see many Democrat lawmakers vote ‘yes’, even though they opposed the deal. Because there is a one-party supermajority in the state, there was no natural check in the process to force openness, bipartisanship, or deliberation.

Connecticut residents deserve a lower cost of living, affordable utilities, and trustworthy, transparent government.

Unfortunately, this bad deal will only deliver higher utility bills and broken trust.

Which brings us to the Nov. 19 vote.

The only remaining check on the sale is now PURA – an agency which is attempting to emerge from internal turmoil and transparency scandals.

We join with other opponents — including more than two dozen municipalities, the state Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Public Health and environmental group Save the Sound.

We can do better as a state for our residents.

So please vote ‘no’.

The public can join us in this opposition. Send an email to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov and reference Docket # 25-04-03.”