Between 12 and 24 employees at The Connecticut Water Co. have been pink slipped. A month prior to the layoffs, the state’s Department of Public Utility Control approved a 12.7 percent rate increase.

Spokesman for Connecticut Water, Dan Meany, refused to give explanation for the layoffs. “The company can assure its customers that any decision regarding its personnel and operations,” Meany said.  “Are made in manner that honors its commitment to provide customers with quality water and service, as well as maintain public health an safety in the communities it serves.

The layoffs are not flying under the radar, however. Phil Dukes, a spokesperson from the DPUC, says that regulators will investigate the layoffs due to the fact that they coincided with a rate increase.

Dukes gave a statement Monday, saying, “If it is determined that these layoffs are determined to create a threat to the safety of the public or employees, the DPUC can take action against the company.”