Advocacy

AARP Connecticut applauds the draft decision by Connecticut’s Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) to reject Aquarion Water Company’s rate increase request. PURA denied the 25% rate increase request after a lengthy regulatory proceeding and hearing from nearly 2,400 AARP members who signed a petition opposing the proposal.

Lawmakers are hearing several pieces of legislation related to nursing homes and long-term care at a joint public hearing of the Aging Committee and Human Services Committee in Hartford today. Advocates from AARP Connecticut, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Connecticut Legal Services, Greater Hartford Legal Aid and New Haven Legal Assistance, the Connecticut Statewide Family Council, the Statewide Coalition of Presidents of Residents Councils, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and 1199 SEIU joined lawmakers to express their united support for proposals that would improve staffing levels, accountability, and financial transparency.

AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan provided the following statement in response to the biennial budget Governor Lamont proposed today:

AARP Connecticut wants more people to know about heating assistance programs to stay warm this winter.

AARP Connecticut – advocates for people 50-plus in Connecticut and their families – will work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support legislation and issues that make our state a great place to live for people of all ages.

AARP Connecticut submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) a petition that was signed by thousands of Connecticut residents in the 17 towns serviced by United Illuminating Company opposing the utility provider’s request to implement a rate increase on the regulated delivery portion of electric bills. This will significantly raise the cost of electricity for Connecticut ratepayers, who already pay the highest retail electricity price in the continental United States, by nearly 15% over three years. If approved, the rate increase would be in addition to a significant increase in the cost of deregulated supply that will take effect on January 1, 2023.

As you think about New Year’s resolutions, consider becoming an AARP volunteer.

AARP Connecticut is very concerned about the health and safety of state residents as we enter the winter months. Many of our members are on moderate, low, or fixed incomes, and they are being hit hard by inflation and the ongoing economic impacts of the pandemic.

AARP Connecticut submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) the names of nearly 2,400 Connecticut residents who signed a petition that opposes the Aquarion Water Company’s request to implement a rate increase that will raise the cost of water for Connecticut ratepayers by nearly 25% over three years.

Four Public Hearings from October to December Offer Ratepayers Opportunity to Provide Testimony