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PURA approves Aquarion change of control after court remand; two commissioners abstain
Summary
After a Superior Court remand, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority approved Aquarion’s change of control subject to conditions, citing long-term public-authority benefits; Chairman Tom Wheel and Commissioner Everett Smith abstained because of prior involvement and timing of record establishment.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority voted on March 25, 2026, to approve a change of control for Aquarion and related companies, subject to conditions intended to protect the public interest following a court remand of the matter.
Authority staff member Peter Kramer summarized the docket’s procedural history: PURA had denied the proposed transfer in a Nov. 19, 2025 decision because of managerial suitability concerns. The applicants appealed and the Superior Court of New Britain remanded the matter on Jan. 15, 2026, finding that certain managerial provisions in Public Act 24-1 constrained PURA’s grounds for denial but that PURA retained authority under General Statute 16-22 to decide what is in the public interest.
Kramer said the authority examined the record, financial terms, implications for local control, and the public-authority ownership model. Citing the long-term, perpetual benefits of the Aquarion Water Authority’s public-authority model and the authority’s assessment of the totality of circumstances, staff recommended approval with conditions. Kramer said, according to the transcript, "All else equal... Aquarion customers can expect to pay a lower cost of service over the longer term and in perpetuity due to AWA's tax advantage model than they otherwise would under the investor-owned utility model."
Chairman Tom Wheel explained he had recused himself because of his prior role with the Office of Consumer Counsel and stated he would abstain from the vote: "I will abstain from today's vote." Commissioner Everett Smith also announced an abstention, saying the record was largely established before he joined PURA and he could not render an impartial decision. Commissioners David Arconti, Jan Beecher and Holly Cheeseman voted in favor.
Commissioner Cheeseman emphasized local control and public ownership as benefits of the decision; Commissioner Beecher noted concerns about transaction terms but described contingency and compliance filings required by the order intended to safeguard public trust.
On roll call the authority recorded three 'Yes' votes and two abstentions; the decision in docket 25-04-03 was adopted with conditions. The transcript does not record mover or seconder names for the motion to adopt the decision.
