Connecticut Court Orders PURA to Reconsider Aquarion Water Company Sale Amid Ongoing Debate
A Connecticut judge has sparked new talk on the sale of the state’s biggest water utility, Aquarion Water Company. On January 15, 2026, Judge Matthew Budzik of the New Britain Superior Court told the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to recheck its November 2025 denial of a $2.4 billion sale. Eversource planned to sell Aquarion to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA). The judge’s words let PURA review the deal on narrow points while not fully backing the earlier full rejection.
Background: The Controversial Aquarion Sale
Eversource, a large energy firm in New England, aimed to move Aquarion to the RWA, a government-like group in the region. The plan would change Aquarion to work under the RWA. Both groups said they might work well together because of shared leaders. Supporters said the change would bring better investment in water systems and more public control.
State officials, consumer groups, and local leaders spoke against the sale. They warned that public control might drop tax funds for towns and lower oversight. They feared water bills might rise for families. PURA blocked the sale in November because it had worries about management and safeguards.
PURA’s Objections and Legal Challenges
PURA focused on how a new Aquarion Water Authority would run things. Its 11-member board was seen to mix interests from both sides. PURA also did not see a strong, independent group to speak for Aquarion’s 121,000 customers. Even though the groups showed financial skill in running Aquarion, PURA found the management setup to be a big problem. In response, Eversource and the RWA sued. They said PURA broke the law when it blocked a deal made under a 2024 state law.
The Court’s Decision: A Nuanced Reversal
Judge Budzik pointed to a fine balance between the new law and how PURA checks deals. He said that PURA went too far by rejecting the sale on board setup rules made by the law. However, he added that PURA can still check issues that matter to customers and safe operations.
A main worry is the RWA’s small Office of Consumer Affairs. This office has one part-time lawyer to speak for customers after the sale. Budzik mentioned that PURA can inspect if this office gets the funds and staff it needs. He left open the choice for PURA to ask for better customer support before giving its final nod.
In his own words, Budzik said, "How these issues change our view on the application… is up to PURA and its regulatory call."
Responses from Stakeholders
The RWA and Aquarion sent a joint note. They said they would work with PURA and others to find a fair fix that meets needs for better water systems, customer care, and service strength.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, who has led the charge against the sale and represents PURA, kept his views measured. He said, "This remand does not change the truth of this deal. It remains a poor choice for Connecticut families and should not go through." Local leaders, such as First Selectperson Christine Vitale from Fairfield, also welcomed that the court did not force PURA to approve the sale. She warned that the deal might cause water costs to rise in an uncontrolled way for residents.
Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman promised to keep watch over customer needs as the review moves ahead.
Broader Implications for Public Utility Ownership
This case raises hard questions about who should own essential services. It asks how the law and regulatory checks can work with plans for money matters, shared management, and customer care. As old models come into contact with newer views on clear and fair service, this deal shows the limits that utilities and regulators face in other places too.
What’s Next?
PURA must now go back over the sale papers. Its new check will look at rules on customer support while it follows the judge’s guide. Stakeholders from towns, customer groups, and state leaders will keep sharing their views.
For consumers in Connecticut, lawmakers, and the water field, this step could change how water services are run. It may affect prices, service levels, and the role public groups play in keeping water safe and fair.
This article is based on the judgment from the New Britain Superior Court and on reports from CT Mirror and other sources as of January 2026. The events are still unfolding as more reviews take shape.
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This article was generated by Hivebox AI in collaboration with AuCan Gold.
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