Westporters Invited to Attend PURA Hearing as Aquarion Attempts to Change Rates
Press Release
The Why and How of Setting Utility Rates. Westport Officials have been notified that Aquarion Water Company recently-filed a rate case before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The proceeding, PURA Docket No. 22-07-01, Application of Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut to Amend its Rate Schedule, was initiated on July 1, 2022 when Aquarion Water filed a Notice of Intent, and continues with the receipt of the company’s formal application, which was filed on August 29, 2022.
A regulated utility may recover costs incurred to provide safe, reliable service plus a reasonable rate of return. Such utilities may file an application with PURA with proposed amended distribution rates, which initiates a rate case. PURA has 200 days to complete a water utility rate case, whereby the final step includes a decision that will be voted on by the three PURA commissioners. Parties in the rate case include the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), along with other interested parties that may include municipalities and organizations representing specific classes of customers.
In the Notice of Public Comment Hearings, PURA has scheduled three public comment hearings in this proceeding:
Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 5:30PM IN-PERSON at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 (directions).
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 5:30PM VIRTUAL at https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocuurpjgtHtbCjCnSFInEZLTVlz3tdTgS
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 7:00PM VIRTUAL at https://ctdeep.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdO6rrDMvG92NDAf7EywU3W7at1SGMZ_O
PURA strongly encourages public participation and public comment in the record of this proceeding, as all PURA decisions are based only on what is included as part of the formal record. Another way to submit comments is to email PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov with “Docket No. 22-07-01 Comments” in the subject line. Please note that oral and written comments both hold the same weight and will become part of the official record, reviewed and considered. Please do not send comments to town officials.
Please take a few minutes to review the Rate Case Information page on PURA’s website. You’ll find a number of helpful explainer and tutorial videos on specifics of a rate case proceeding, covering the following topics:
∙ An Overview of Rate Cases and Why it Matters to You
∙ Which Rates are Set During a Rate Case and How is My Electric Bill Affected?
∙ Ways to Get Involved in a Rate Case
∙ Review of Storm Costs in a Rate Case
∙ Review of Utility Depreciation Rates in a Rate Case
∙ Revenue Requirement: What is it and how do we calculate one?
∙ Overview: Take Back Our Grid Act (HB 7006)
∙ Take Back Our Grid Act: Rate Changes and Performance-Based Regulation
∙ Distribution Integrity Management
NOTE: This is a PURA public hearing. Please send any comments directly to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov with “Docket No. 22-07-01 Comments” in the subject line.
Westport Police Arrest Two in Roadside Drug Bust; Fentanyl-Laced Drugs Seized
Press Release
On this date at approximately 9:40 a.m. an officer conducting traffic enforcement on the Sherwood Island Connector pulled a car over for a motor vehicle violation. Upon approaching the car, the officer saw that there were four men inside. As the driver was retrieving paperwork from the glove compartment, the officer observed a plastic bag that contained several red capsules. He knew that capsules of that type are typically used to package crack cocaine. At this point, the officer called for additional units to assist him with this investigation. Seconds later, the person sitting in the front passenger seat ran from the vehicle and fled into the woods adjacent to the commuter parking lot. The officer chased the individual and saw him discarding items as he ran. The passenger was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. The other three occupants remained with the car and did not attempt to flee.
The evidence that the passenger discarded during the foot chase was suspected narcotics and a scale. The suspected narcotics were tested and determined to be cocaine and crack. Both were mixed with fentanyl. The crack cocaine weighed twelve grams and the cocaine weighed sixty grams.
The passenger who ran was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Illegal Operation of a Drug Factory, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering With Evidence, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Interfering With an Officer. He is currently being held on a $75,000.00 bond.
The driver was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interfering With an Officer, Criminal Impersonation, Misuse of a License Plate, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance, Illegal Tinting, and Operating Without a License. He is currently being held on a $51,000.00 bond.
The rear passengers were not charged. However, one was taken into custody as he had outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
The identities of the two parties arrested will be released at a later time, as the investigators are still working on confirming their identities.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 8 since Friday
The State Department of Public Health reported 8 more COVID-19 cases in Westport since Friday. The State positivity rate was up to 9.70% while 351 people are hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,770 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 39 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.70% [up from 9.46%]
Sirens: Merritt Parkway Southbound Accident Reported
First responders were dispatched to a car accident on the Merritt Parkway in the southbound lanes, before exit 40, just before 7:30 this morning. No word on any injuries.