Dear Stratford Residents,
I am reaching out today because an important decision is before the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) that will negatively directly affect Stratford’s water service, water rates, and local tax revenue for years to come. Please contact PURA and ask them to deny the proposed acquisition of Aquarion Water Company by the South-Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA).
Here is why this is INCREDIBLY important to our town:
Stratford Depends on Reliable, Affordable Water Service
Aquarion Water Company has served Stratford and 59 other Connecticut communities for more than fifty years. The company has changed hands twice in the past two decades—first when Macquarie Bank purchased it in 2006, and again when Eversource acquired it in 2017. Now, RWA has submitted a $2.4 billion bid to acquire Aquarion, subject to PURA approval.
PURA will vote TOMORROW Wednesday, November 19, to approve or deny this acquisition.
Many Connecticut municipalities, over 26 mayors (including myself) and first selectmen, have already registered their opposition, citing harmful consequences for local taxpayers and water customers.
Our Concerns for Stratford
1. Water Rates Would Increase Dramatically: During PURA’s hearings, the applicant acknowledged that if this transaction moves forward, water rates for Aquarion customers are projected to rise 65% over the next 10 years.
By contrast, under PURA’s oversight, Aquarion rates increased by only 8.5% over the past decade. That level of stability is critical for Stratford families, seniors, and businesses.
2. PURA’s Regulatory Oversight Would Be Eliminated: This is one of the most significant risks.
If the acquisition is approved, PURA would no longer regulate Aquarion. Instead, rates would be set by a self-regulated structure controlled heavily by RWA.
In the New Haven region, every RWA rate increase has been approved by its governing board—an entity RWA effectively controls. Stratford would face the same model, with no independent oversight to protect ratepayers.
3. Stratford’s Tax Revenue Would Be Reduced: Aquarion is a major taxpayer in Stratford. Under RWA ownership:
Aquarion’s taxable property would shift to Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). These PILOT payments would not include future property improvements, meaning Stratford would lose revenue over time.
Reduced revenue jeopardizes town services and increases pressure on local taxpayers.
4. $2.4 Billion in New Debt Will Be Passed to Aquarion Customers: RWA plans to finance the acquisition with $2.4 billion in debt, carried by a newly named “Aquarion Water Authority (AWA).” That debt would be paid back by water customers—meaning Stratford residents would shoulder a financial burden for decades.
5. Future Infrastructure Investment Is Uncertain: Aquarion has invested between $118 million and $167 million per year into its water infrastructure in recent years and projected $200 million per year going forward.
RWA has not demonstrated how it will sustain these investments while carrying billions in new debt. Stratford cannot afford deferred maintenance or stalled system improvements.
6. Loss of Local Control: Despite Aquarion being more than twice the size of RWA, the proposed new board would give:
6 seats to RWA representatives - outside of our region
Only 5 seats to the new Aquarion entity
This structure takes away from local decision-making and places Stratford’s interests in the hands of an external governing body.
Please Write to PURA—Your Voice Truly Matters
This decision will affect 207,000 customers across the Aquarion region, including thousands here in Stratford.
Please urge PURA to deny the acquisition because it is not in the public interest and poses unacceptable risks to service quality, future investment, and water affordability.
Public Utilities Regulatory Authority: PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov
Please request the Executive Secretary to post your comments to Docket 25-04-03. Include your name and address.
Ten Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: 860-827-1553
Fax: 860-827-2822
Thank you for taking the time to speak up for Stratford’s future.
Sincerely,
Mayor Laura R. Hoydick
Town of Stratford, Connecticut