Aquarion Seeks 20.8 Percent Rate Hike [VIDEO]

Representatives of Aquarion, the water utility that serves Greenwich, say rate increases totalling more than 20 percent are necessary to help pay for improvements to its infrastructure.

The representatives appeared before the Greenwich Board of Selectmen Thursday, at the request of First Selectman Peter Tesei who wanted an explanation on why the utility is seeking to raise rates by 16.8 percent the first year, followed by 2 percent increases in each of the two following years.

"What’s going to matter most to residents in Greenwich, is what are they going to get for it," Tesei said of the rate request.

Bruce Silverstone, the water company's corporate communications vice president, said the increases would pay for past improvements that include upgrades to its water treatment plant in town and replacement of water mains. (Please see video.)

Aquarion filed its rate hike proposal with Connecticut's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) nearly two weeks ago. According to Silverstone, PURA has a six-month review process—which will include public hearings—before making a decision on the rate request. 

Silverstone said if the increase is approved it would translate into customers paying an additional 24 cents per day.