Connecticut Water Company filed a general rate case application with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on October 3, 2023, proposing to increase the rates charged to customers. This notice provides detailed information on the request, the process, and how you can provide input and comments to PURA on the application. We will update this page with the most current information throughout the process.
Participation In The Rate Case Procedure
PURA held Public Comment Hearings for this application (Docket 23-08-32) on Nov. 1, 2023 in Ellington, Nov. 27, 2023 in Lebanon, and a virtual hearing on Dec. 14, 2023.
Evidentiary hearings took place Jan. 23 – 31, 2024.
The remaining schedule for the docket, available on PURA’s website at https://portal.ct.gov/pura, includes Written exceptions due to PURA on June 10, oral arguments on June 13 and the final PURA decision scheduled for June 28.
Connecticut Water filed a general rate case application with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on October 3, 2023, proposing to change the rates charged to customers.
The application begins a public process conducted by PURA, with the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) and the State Attorney General’s (AG) office representing customers’ interests in the proceeding. During the rate case, PURA, OCC and the AG will analyze and review the cost of providing water service to customers so rates can be set to reflect reasonable and prudent expenses. Customers and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the application. PURA has 270 days to review the application, and approved rates will go into effect soon after.
“The primary drivers of this request are the more than $135 million invested in our water and wastewater system infrastructure that have been made to ensure reliable service and high-quality drinking water for families and communities, and higher operating costs driven by inflation, neither of which are included in current water rates,” said Craig J. Patla, president of Connecticut Water.
PURA regulation uses a historic test year, which means that utilities are only allowed to recover infrastructure investments after projects are completed and in service and that PURA has determined they are providing a benefit to customers. Likewise, Connecticut Water is operating on expense levels reviewed and authorized in the last general rate case (GRC). Since the last GRC, the cost of energy, treatment chemicals, labor and borrowing has increased, but are not recovered in rates for water service.
“We look-forward to demonstrating to PURA and other stakeholders that we have made prudent decisions and are efficiently operating our business while delivering world-class service and a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water,” said Patla.
If the request is approved as proposed, annual revenues will increase by approximately $21 million, or 18%, over current authorized revenues and would be effective on or about July 1, 2024. PURA will determine through the rate case process the actual level and distribution of any approved rate increase, but it is expected that the amount of the increase will vary based on location or rate division within the company and customer class — residential, commercial, industrial or municipal.
Among the numerous infrastructure investments made by the company:
Among the other proposals in the rate application:
In addition to expanding WRAP, Connecticut Water is proposing to continue its H2O – Help 2 Our Customers assistance program, offering payment plans and financial assistance to eligible customers directly and through it partnership with Operation Fuel.