Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is a quasi-judicial state agency that regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications companies ^[7][7] Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. 'About PURA.' CT.gov, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://portal.ct.gov/pura/about/about-pura. Based in New Britain, PURA operates within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) but maintains independent decision-making authority ^[19]. The agency consists of five commissioners appointed by the governor for four-year terms ^[7][7] Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. 'About PURA.' CT.gov, Accessed: 2026-03-28, https://portal.ct.gov/pura/about/about-pura. Its primary legal mandate is to ensure that utility companies provide safe, reliable, and affordable services while allowing providers a reasonable return on investment ^[18]. PURA also manages franchises for cable television companies and oversees the state's 'Call Before You Dig' program ^[14]. The authority managed a budget of approximately $37.9 million for the 2025 fiscal year and employs a staff of 140 professionals [8, 17].

Historical Background

PURA traces its origins to the Board of Railroad Commissioners, which was established by the Connecticut General Assembly on July 1, 1853 ^[14]. This founding body protected public safety and property rights during the expansion of the rail system ^[14]. In 1911, legislation transformed the board into the Public Utilities Commission to oversee the growing electric, gas, and telephone industries [14, 20]. The agency underwent multiple restructurings, including its 1975 rebranding as the Public Utilities Control Authority and its 1980 transition to an independent Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) ^[14]. In July 2011, Public Act 11-80 consolidated the DPUC into the newly formed DEEP, creating the modern PURA [17, 22]. Recently, the 'Take Back Our Grid Act' of 2020 expanded PURA’s authority to implement performance-based regulations for electric distribution companies ^[23].

Current Events

On March 25, 2026, PURA issued a final 3-0 decision approving the $2.4 billion sale of Aquarion Water Company to the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority [10, 13]. This vote reversed a November 2024 rejection after a Superior Court judge ordered the agency to reconsider the deal based on 2024 enabling legislation [14, 16]. Critics, including the state Attorney General, argued the deal would lead to significant rate increases for customers through 2040 [10, 15]. Earlier in March 2026, the agency released its 2025 Annual Report and issued a final decision in the Yankee Gas rate case reconsideration [11, 12]. In January 2026, PURA recommended replacing existing renewable energy tariff programs with a unified eight-year program starting in 2028 to improve cost-effectiveness and equity for ratepayers ^[17].