State Attorney General George Jepsen has asked Connecticut utility regulators to reject Aquarion Water Company's application to raise rates by $33 million over three years, arguing that the increase is neither necessary nor appropriate.

Jepson says running a water company is relatively low risk, not like an electrical utility that can be hampered by severe weather.

The attorney general says he has asked that PURA reject this rate application and spare ratepayers an unnecessary and excessive increase to their water bills.

Jepson's opinion comes as Bethel residents vote to keep the Bethel Water Department as a town asset rather than selling to Aquarion