Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has asked utility regulators to reject a 28 percent rate increase sought by Aquarion Water, calling it excessive.
A spokeswoman for Aquarion says the rate increase, which would bring in $32 million, is needed to pay for improvements in water pipes, water mains, pumps and other equipment.
Blumenthal says the Bridgeport-based Aquarion has failed to prove a rate increase is necessary.
Aquarion spokeswoman Adrienne Vaughan wouldn’t comment on Blumenthal’s specific criticism. She says the company has spent $129 million since November 2004 for capital improvements.
Rate increases would vary across the 36 cities and towns Aquarion serves. Vaughn says that for the majority of customers, water costs for a typical family of four would rise from $1.04 for 200 gallons a day to $1.36.
