Senator Stephen Harding commented on April 30 regarding the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) decision to deny a joint petition from the Office of the Consumer Counsel and the Office of Attorney General, which had called for reconsideration of the Aquarion sale.
The issue is significant for Connecticut residents because it concerns potential increases in water rates following the sale. The denial means that customers may not see relief from future rate hikes that some had hoped a reconsideration could provide.
Harding said, “Think Connecticut is already unaffordable? Hold on tight to your wallets. A reconsideration could have given Aquarion customers a reprieve from a tsunami of future rate hikes.”
He also criticized how the process was handled, saying, “Senate Republicans have been shouting from the rooftops that this backroom deal stunk from Day One. Interestingly, the governor took a hands-off approach, saying little about it. Remember: Gov. Lamont signed the bill that silenced the voices of the public and will bring the tsunami of future water rate hikes.”
Harding concluded by stating his party’s ongoing commitment: “The Senate Republicans will continue to focus on protecting water customers in this already unaffordable state while protecting the environment.”
The broader impact remains uncertain as lawmakers and advocates consider next steps in response to PURA’s decision.
