CT SB00336

Establishes an Independent Consumer Advocate to represent consumer interests in Metropolitan District of Hartford County matters including rates, water quality, water supply, and wastewater service quality, effective July 1, 2024.

Annual costs for the advocate cannot exceed $70,000 in the first year unless the Consumer Counsel approves a demonstration of substantial need.

Advocate must be a state bar member with legal experience in municipal, environmental, or public utility law, selected by the Consumer Counsel for two-year terms commencing on January 1st of odd-numbered years, and may only be terminated for misconduct, material neglect, or incompetence.

Advocate has access to district records, can call upon district experts, may appear in regulatory and judicial proceedings affecting district consumers, and must submit quarterly activity reports and hold an annual public forum on the second Wednesday of October.

District board of directors cannot direct, oversee, or remove the advocate, but must cooperate with reasonable requests to enable the advocate to perform duties effectively.