In our Connecticut Energy: 2025 Year in Review, we highlighted the then pending South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority/ Aquarion Water Company Change of Control proceeding as one to watch.
In November 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) initially rejected the proposed sale of Aquarion from Eversource to an affiliate authority of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority that provides water service to 432,000 customers in 15 municipalities.
After a quick appeal of the PURA decision, the Connecticut Superior Court ordered PURA to take another look at the transaction and follow the statutory mandates set forth in Public Act 24-1. Thereafter, in March, 2026, Harris Beach Murtha attorneys secured PURA approval of the $2.4 billion transaction. As PURA noted, the transaction will provide material and long-term savings to customers.
This proceeding is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it is a rare example of the sale of an investor-owned utility to a not-for-profit authority, which garnered more than its fair share of public outcry. Second, the new PURA commissioners have proven they intend to conduct fair and transparent proceedings consistent with statutory mandates and will not be intimidated by statements in the media by local and state leaders. Those impacted by PURA should applaud such resolve.
Harris Beach Murtha’s Energy Industry Team is tracking developments with this report and related Energy issues. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to attorney Daniel R. Canavan at 203-772-7749 and dcanavan@harrisbeachmurtha.com; attorney Bruce L. McDermott at (203) 772-7787 and bmcdermott@harrisbeachmurtha.com; or the Harris Beach Murtha attorney with whom you most frequently work.
This alert is not a substitute for advice of counsel on specific legal issues.
Harris Beach Murtha’s lawyers and consultants practice from offices throughout Connecticut in Bantam, Hartford, New Haven and Stamford; New York State in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, New York City, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, Syracuse, Long Island and White Plains; as well as in Boston, Massachusetts, and Newark, New Jersey.