Senator Tony Hwang Statement on PURA Approval of Aquarion Sale

NEW BRITAIN, CT—State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) issued the following statement regarding the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) decision to approve the transfer of Aquarion Water Company:

“While I respect the role of PURA in this process, I do not support this approval.

The Authority itself acknowledged that this transaction sits on the ‘knife’s edge’ of what qualifies as being in the public interest. For the residents and municipalities I represent, that level of uncertainty is simply unacceptable.

This deal raises serious concerns about long-term costs, governance, and accountability. Just as importantly, many of the communities impacted include significant watershed lands that require stewardship and protection. I am not convinced this structure safeguards those critical natural resources or prioritizes the interests of our towns.

PURA’s decision makes clear that many of these concerns stem from the underlying legislation, which I opposed in 2024. That means it is now the responsibility of the General Assembly to act. We must revisit Public Act 24-1 to strengthen protections for ratepayers, ensure proper oversight, and defend the environmental assets that are vital to our region.

I remain committed to advocating for solutions that put our residents, our communities, and our natural resources first.”