Fairfield To Host Second Hearing On Aquarion Rate Hike

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield will host a second public hearing on a proposed 18 percent water rate increase for Aquarion Water Company customers on July 9.

Water rates in Fairfield County could rise more than 18 percent this fall if PURA approves Aquarion Water Company's request for an increase.
Photo Credit: *Jenn Durfey via Flickr*

by Greg Canuel

07/02/2013 12:30 p.m.

Aquarion has petitioned the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for the right to increase its rates across the state. If approved, the rate increases would go into effect in late August.

The amount of the proposed increase varies by region and customer type. In the southern Fairfield County area, for example, rates would rise 18.3 percent for residential customers, 18.4 percent for municipalities and 9 percent for fire departments. Aquarion is also asking for follow-up increases of 1.8 percent in 2014 and 1.9 percent in 2015.

PURA is holding public hearings across the state to gather public input. Residents can also send comments via email to PURA.executivesecretary@ct.gov.

Fairfield already held a public hearing on the issue on June 18. Those interested can watch the first meeting via FairTV On Demand.

The second hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Ave.

“I strongly urge residents to attend the hearing or send comments to PURA,” Fairfield First Selectman Michael Tetreau said in a press release. “I had made strong objections to these excessive increases on behalf of the Town at the June hearing. I will also attend the July hearing.”

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