Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Monday he is pleased that the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) significantly slashed Aquarion Water’s rate increase request, but disappointed that the department failed to completely eliminate the hike.

            Blumenthal said he will file exceptions asking the DPUC to reduce the increase to zero.

            “DPUC took a good first step, slashing Aquarion’s outrageous 24 percent rate increase request to 10.4 percent -- but it needs to cut deeper,” Blumenthal said. “This huge hike is still too high, threatening consumers and businesses struggling to stay above water. DPUC should deny Aquarion any rate increase, compelling the company to share the struggle of their customers. I will fight to keep rates unchanged, a lifeline for consumers and businesses seeking to get back on their feet. Aquarion -- like its residential and commercial customers -- must do more with less.”

            Aquarion asked DPUC to authorize a profit of 10.6 percent. The DPUC’s preliminary decision reduced the company’s profit level to 9.8 percent. Blumenthal said his office will seek a further reduction in Aqaurion’s authorized profits.

            “Aquarion’s authorized profit is too high, allowing the company to earn a return far exceeding many small businesses in these tough times,” Blumenthal said. “I will ask DPUC to further reduce the company’s authorized profit. Aquarion can easily afford to earn a little less so its customers can have a little more.”