Simsbury Officials, Residents Speak Out on Aquarion's Proposed Increase

Sixty four dollars a year may not seem like much but for seniors on a fixed income it’s significant.

That’s part of what Deputy First Selectman Lisa Heavner told the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulator Authority (PURA) during a public hearing at Eno Memorial Hall Monday night. PURA is considering a rate increase request from Aquarion Water Company that would mean a 19.4 percent jump for Simsbury customers.

“The proposed rate increase will unduly burden residents and businesses still struggling in this economy,” Heavner said.

Before comments from officials and residents, Aquarion gave a brief presentation Monday night.

Bruce Silverstone, vice president of corporate communications, said the company in recent years has invested $143 million in infrastructure improvements and is simply looking to recoup that cost.

“We are not paying forward; we are looking back,” said Silverstone, who also touted the company’s environmental record and community partnerships.

Some of those improvements have included Simsbury he said, such as a Topview tank refurbishment, Demolition of the Tuller Treatment plant and 6,500 feet of new water main.

Even with the increase, the company's prices are well below average and represent a great value, he added. 

But many oppose the percentage of the increase.

In her testimony, Shannon Knall said the 19.4 percent increase for customers in town even outdid the 16.8 percent referenced in a letter of intent earlier this year. In addition, the 19.4 percent would be followed by a 1.8 and 1.9 percent increases the following two years.

Selectmen said it would also have a negative impact on the Simsbury Housing Authority, which has already passed its budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Officials also requested the water company share more documentation with the town and keep it better informed.

Selectman Sean Askham, at a Board of Selectmen meeting later in the evening, said the town turned over its water infrastructure in good condition and added that the municipality could never get away with such poor fiscal planning.

“It’s just not a good way to communicate,” he said. “That’s an appalling number. That kind of percentage is just not acceptable.”

Comments on the proposal are due today and can be sent to the Office of Consumer Council at dpuc.executivesecretary@po.state.ct.us.

A decision is expected in August.