State Regulatory Relations

Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control Approves Infrastructure Charge

The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has authorized Aquarion Water Company to implement a water infrastructure and conservation adjustment (WICA) mechanism. Application of Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut for a Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment, Docket No. 08-06-21W101 (2008). The initial surcharge will be designed to cover WICA-eligible main replacement projects with an estimated cost of $27.6 million and alternate projects with an estimated cost of $13.7 million. The DPUC directed the utility to more clearly prioritize project needs in future filings and to continue to work on the development of a model that will enable it to quantify costs and benefits in making main repair/replacement decisions.

Pennichuck Granted Temporary Rate Increase

By Order dated December 30, 2008, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) granted Pennichuck Water Works’ request for a temporary rate increase of 11 percent. Re Pennichuck Water Works, Inc., Order No. 24,926 (2008). The PUC found that Pennichuck had demonstrated a significant earnings deficiency, which it attributed largely to plant additions since Pennichuck’s last rate case, and that the settlement terms reflected an appropriate balancing of customer and investor interests.

Registration Closes Soon for NARUC Winter Meetings

The 2009 National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) Winter Committee Meetings are rapidly approaching and you don't want to miss these important sessions.

You will learn firsthand what an Obama administration will mean for energy, telecommunications and water policies. You will hear from political, congressional, executive, industry and consumer experts about what new policies will be debated and how they will impact your job.

Deadline for pre-registration is Friday, January 30, 2009. After this date, registrations must be processed on site at the commencement of the meeting.

For more information, please go to http://winter.narucmeetings.org