State regulators voted against a proposed deal to sell Aquarion to the New Haven-based Regional Water Authority for $2.4 billion. The move would have made Aquarion a quasi-public entity and removed the water company from state oversight. Roughly 800,000 people in 59 towns across Connecticut rely on water from Aquarion.

Lawmakers and state officials of both parties argued lack of public oversight would mean a spike in water rates for residents.

Last week, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong described the deal as “atrocious” and stated that the change could lead to rate hikes and price gouging. On Wednesday, he praised PURA’s decision to vote against the deal.

“Eversource is free to find a new buyer, but should understand that any new attempt to end public regulatory oversight ove

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