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AARP Connecticut Urges PURA to Reject Connecticut Water Company Rate Increase Request

Public hearings in July and August offer ratepayers opportunity to provide testimony

AARP

Published July 17, 2026

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AARP Connecticut urges the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to deny a proposal by Connecticut Water Company to implement a rate increase that will significantly raise the cost of water for Connecticut residential customers. The complete testimony submitted to PURA by AARP Connecticut is below.

Under the proposed application, Connecticut Water Company requests an increase of approximately 19 percent, which would translate to about a $15 per month raise in Connecticut residential customers’ monthly bill.

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Ratepayers can sign an AARP Connecticut petition telling PURA to Reject Connecticut Water's Excessive Rate Increase Request. In addition, PURA will hold public comment hearings to receive ratepayer feedback on Connecticut Water Company’s application to amend the rate schedule. AARP Connecticut encourages potentially impacted ratepayers to voice their position at the August public hearings:

Monday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m.: East Hampton Town Hall, Room 107, 1 Community Drive, East Hampton, CT 06424
Wednesday, August 26, at noon: virtually via Zoom

Residents can also submit a written public comment to PURA by writing to PURA at 10 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 or sending an email to executivesecretary@ct.gov.

“Even a modest monthly increase – which this request is not – can significantly impact families and crate financial hardships when layered on top of rising costs for essentials such as housing, other energy needs, food, and healthcare,” said John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Senior Associate State Director.

The comments AARP Connecticut submitted to PURA follows:

Application of the Connecticut Water Company to Amend its Rate Schedules

(Docket No. 26-03-15)

Comments of AARP Connecticut – June 10, 2026

AARP submits the following comments on docket 26-03-15 the application of the Connecticut Water Company to amend its rate schedules.

1. The Proposed Increase Is Excessive and Unaffordable

The Company’s proposal would increase residential bills by approximately 19 percent, or about $15 per month. Such an increase is significant for households on fixed or limited incomes, including many older residents.

While Connecticut Water asserts that current bills fall within generalized affordability thresholds, this framework does not reflect the real financial pressures facing customers today. Even modest monthly increases can create hardship when layered on top of rising costs for housing, energy, food, and healthcare.

2. The Requested Return Is Above Reasonable Levels

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The Company’s request for a 10 percent return on equity exceeds typical national averages for regulated water utilities. Allowing an above-average return shifts unnecessary costs onto customers and raises serious questions about whether the proposal appropriately balances investor and consumer interests.

PURA has a responsibility to ensure that authorized returns are no higher than necessary to attract capital. In this case, the requested return appears excessive and not justified by current market conditions.

3. The Scope of Proposed Spending Is Too Large

Connecticut Water’s application relies heavily on projected infrastructure and capital investment needs. While certain investments are clearly necessary, the scale and pace of the proposed spending raise concerns about affordability and prioritization.

The Company emphasizes major initiatives, including infrastructure replacement and compliance with emerging regulations. However, the application does not adequately demonstrate that:

All proposed investments are essential in the near term;
Lower-cost alternatives have been fully considered; or
Costs can be better managed to reduce customer impacts.

A more measured approach to capital spending would help mitigate rate impacts while still maintaining safe and reliable service.

4. Affordability Concerns Are Not Adequately Addressed

Although Connecticut Water points to assistance programs and affordability metrics, these tools do not eliminate the burden of large rate increases. Assistance programs are inherently limited in reach and do not serve all customers who struggle to pay their bills.

Moreover, reliance on percentage-of-income metrics understates affordability challenges, particularly for households with fixed incomes or those facing high non-utility expenses.

Conclusion

For these reasons, AARP urges PURA to reject the proposed rate increase as filed. Protecting customers, especially older adults and those on fixed incomes, must remain a central consideration in this proceeding.

AARP appreciates the opportunity to submit comments. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

John Erlingheuser

AARP Connecticut Senior Associate State Director of Advocacy

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