Connecticut officials say 700,000 Aquarion Water Company customers could face higher rates and reduced accountability under a proposed sale.

The $2.4 billion deal would transfer Aquarion from Eversource to a quasi-public entity governed by an RWA board, removing it from PURA oversight.

Officials say the change would leave customers without a voice in decisions affecting their water service.

"RWA customers already pay 30% more than Aquarion customers. That's a fact, these are numbers," said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. "Over the past decade, RWA rates rose 45%, whereas Aquarion rates rose 8.5%."

Local leaders also warned the deal could impact local tax revenue across the Aquarion service area.