Connecticut House Bill HB06032

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Decoupling Of Water Rates To Encourage Water Conservation.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would have significant implications for state water management policies. By decoupling water rates from consumption levels, water companies would no longer face financial pressure to prioritize the sale of higher volumes of water. Instead, their revenue may be supported through fixed rates or alternative means that do not directly tie to the amount of water sold. This shift is expected to foster a more sustainable approach to managing water resources and could ultimately lead to more responsible usage patterns among consumers.

Summary

House Bill 06032 focuses on the decoupling of water rates from the sale of a water company's resources, with the goal of promoting water conservation among residents and businesses within the state. The bill proposes to amend current general statutes to create a disconnect between the revenue generated from water sales and the pricing of water services. This change is aimed at incentivizing water utilities to encourage conservation rather than increasing consumption for financial gain.

Contention

While the bill presents a vision for sustainable water management, it may encounter opposition from various stakeholders. Concerns could arise from both consumers and utility companies over the specifics of how new pricing structures would be implemented and the potential impacts on overall water utility funding and infrastructure investments. Additionally, there could be debates regarding whether such decoupling measures are sufficient or effective in truly enhancing water conservation efforts across the state.