Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

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Press Releases

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07/28/2021

PURA Ruling Sets Base Rates for Connecticut Water Company Customers

Final decision reduces requested revenue, return on equity

(New Britain, CT – July 28, 2021) – Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) today issued a final decision regarding rate changes for customers of The Connecticut Water Company (CWC) that become effective July 28, 2021. The company provides water and fire protection service to approximately 105,000 customers, or 360,000 people, across 60 communities in the state.

Today’s decision in Docket No. 20-12-30 approves the company’s total revenue of $108,149,832 in base rates, and a Return on Equity (ROE) of 9.00%. The approved revenue is $5,207,956, or approximately 5.06%, over current levels and will result in the average customers’ bill increasing by about $40 per year. 

Ultimately, the approved rate change represents a lower rate increase than the company originally filed.

The CWC in January requested a revenue increase of $20,340,653, up 20% compared to current rates, and a 10.4% ROE. The request would have raised the typical residential customer’s bill by approximately $127 per year.

Additionally, the Authority approved a Water Rate Assistance Program (WRAP) proposed by the company that will provide a new rate class for low-income customers. The program will offer a 15% discount off the total water bill to customers in households earning up to 60% of the state median income.

The Authority’s review of the company’s rate schedule included an audit of its books and records and an inspection of its plant and facilities across the state. Comments from multiple stakeholders were also considered in this proceeding during a series of public hearings held in April and May.

COVID-19 Relief, Customer Assistance

Customers with overdue balances are encouraged to contact the CWC to sign-up for COVID-19 payment plans, which have been extended to September 30, 2021. The payment plans require no down payment, can last up to 24 months, and waive fees and interest. The CWC’s H2O - Help 2 Our Customers assistance program is also providing payment plans and bill reductions for income-eligible customers.

Tips for Savings 

There are many conservation practices that can help customers reduce their water bill, including:

  • Take short showers instead of tub baths;

  • Never use your toilet as a waste basket;

  • Keep drinking water in the refrigerator;

  • Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight to avoid using water to defrost frozen foods;

  • Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush;

  • Run the dishwasher when completely full and avoid hand-washing dishes;

  • If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter;

  • Detect and repair leaky equipment at home such as toilets, shower heads, sink faucets, and irrigation systems;

  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it - such as watering a plant or garden;

  • Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day and do not water on windy days; and

  • Avoid using ornamental water features unless they recycle the water. 

More tips on conserving water can be found here.

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About the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority:
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily-charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state’s cable television companies. In the industries that are still wholly regulated, PURA balances the public’s right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider’s right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are protected from unfair business practices. Visit PURA’s website at ct.gov/pura.

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Media Contact

Taren O'Connor
Director of Legislation, Regulation and Communication
860-827-2689
Taren.Oconnor@ct.gov

Joe Cooper
Deputy Director of Communications
860-944-9459
Joe.Cooper@ct.gov