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Long debate as committee backs charter changes tied to potential Aquarion acquisition; concerns about oversight and rate impact
Summary
House Bill 5249, amending the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority charter to address a potential Aquarion acquisition, advanced after an extended debate about restoring PURA oversight, governance balance and whether consumers could face higher rates — one speaker cited an interrogatory indicating a potential 65% increase over 10 years.
House Bill 5249 (LCO 3100) would amend the charter of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) in the context of a proposed acquisition of an investor-owned water company (discussed in committee as Aquarion/AWA). Proponents said the bill clarifies legislative intent, restores Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) oversight for this quasi‑public entity and rebalances governing-board representation between Aquarion and RWA regions.
Senator Fazio, Representative Hughes and others credited municipal leaders and the Office of Consumer Counsel for surfacing rate and oversight concerns and argued the bill corrects the process by giving PURA broader authority to consider the public interest in a large acquisition. Representative Mashinsky and others raised local‑control concerns and said they wanted to protect water quality and municipal revenue arrangements.
Opponents warned of possible rate increases; discussion referenced interrogatories and Office of Consumer Counsel analysis that suggested significant rate risk (a cited figure during debate was that costs could rise by up to 65% over 10 years in a worst-case scenario if unchecked). Supporters said the changes enable the acquisition to proceed while preserving regulatory scrutiny.
After extended debate the committee approved the measure to be JFS to the floor. Members asked for precise drafting to ensure PURA’s authority is clear and that governance and fiscal protections for towns and ratepayers are preserved.
