Information on Connecticut Water's Application for Amended Rates

Connecticut Water filed a general rate case application with the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on May 11, 2026, 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 cost-effective 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 $145 million invested in our water and wastewater system infrastructure to ensure reliable service and high-quality drinking water for families and communities,” Connecticut Water President Craig J. Patla said. “At Connecticut Water, our team understands the challenges customers face with affordability. Any increase to cost of living presents a challenge for customers, which is why we remain committed to being responsible stewards of customers’ dollars.”

PURA regulation allows utilities to recover the costs of infrastructure investments only after projects are completed and in service, meaning that this rate request does not ask for funding for new projects, but reimbursement for projects that are already completed and benefitting customers. PURA also determines the appropriate operating expenses for costs like electricity, treatment chemicals and employee labor. Connecticut Water is operating on expense levels reviewed and authorized in the last general rate case in 2024.

“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, the average customer would see a bill increase of about $15.54 per month, starting in early 2027. This represents about $29 million or a 21% increase in annual revenue for the company.  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:

Solar arrays at company facilities in Killingly, Rockville, Cromwell and Naugatuck to produce clean energy and will save customers money in the long-term by lowering our need for purchased electricity

An $11.8-million, new groundwater treatment facility in Southbury at Heritage Village;

Installation of about 9,300 feet of 12-inch water main along Route 12 in Killingly to connect our Killingly and Plainfield systems to allow water supply optimization and efficiency while and improving reliability for customers

A $4 million project in Avon including a new 1.3-million gallon tank, pump station and water mains replaced aging infrastructure to ensure reliable service for generations; and

A multi-year project replacing about 40,000 feet of water mains in Naugatuck, some of which dates back to 1890 and has outlived its useful life.

What this means for customers

• Proposed increase: about $15.54 per month for the average customer, driven by what it costs to install new or replace existing infrastructure serving customers to ensure continued reliable service and high-quality drinking water.
• Timing: Earliest impact on customer bills - February 2027 
• Final decision: Made by PURA after a public review 
• Your input: You can submit comments during the process. We will provide you with information on how to submit comments in person or in writing as it is made available to us.