MIDDLESEX WATER CO

**UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

Middlesex Water Company

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

Middlesex Water Company 485C Route 1 South Suite 400 Iselin, New Jersey 08830

Dear Valued Shareholders,

It is my privilege to invite you to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Middlesex Water Company (“Middlesex” or the “Company”), which will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. This meeting provides an important opportunity to review our Company’s progress, share updates on our strategic initiatives, and discuss matters that are critical to building long-term shareholder value.

This year marked a significant milestone for Middlesex as we welcomed our new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nadine Leslie, effective March 1, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the water industry, Nadine assumed leadership at a pivotal time, continuing our legacy of excellence for 128 years.

In her first year, Nadine has quickly demonstrated her commitment to upholding the high standards of service and operational excellence that have been the hallmark of Middlesex. She has shown exceptional strategic vision, and we are confident that under her guidance, we will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

As we reflect on 2024, I am proud of the meaningful progress made under Nadine’s leadership. Her team navigated a year of transition while strengthening operational resiliency, enhancing financial performance, and maintaining our commitment to delivering shareholder value. Notable accomplishments include:

Financial Performance

Strategic Investments in Infrastructure

Operational Excellence and Resiliency

Long-Term Vision

I want to thank you for your steadfast loyalty and support of Middlesex and the Board of Directors throughout the years. I also congratulate Nadine and her leadership team on their vision for future success and on their diligent focus on execution of that vision.

Sincerely,

Dennis W. Doll

Chairman of the Board

April 10, 2025

CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS This year, we are again using the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Notice and Access model (“Notice and Access”) which allows delivery of proxy materials via the Internet as the primary means of furnishing proxy materials. We believe Notice and Access provides shareholders with a convenient method to access the proxy materials and vote, reduces the costs of printing and distributing proxy materials, and allows us to conserve natural resources in alignment with our role as an environmental steward. On or about April 10, 2025, we will mail a Notice of Internet Availability (“NOIA”) of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our Proxy Statement and our 2024 Annual Report online and how to vote via the Internet. The NOIA also contains instructions on how to receive a paper copy of the proxy materials and our 2024 Annual Report to Shareholders. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT We urge you to vote using telephone or internet voting, if available to you, or if you received these proxy materials by U.S. mail, by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card promptly. If voting by phone, please call the toll-free number found on your NOIA of Proxy Materials or on your proxy card. To vote via the Internet, please visit the website shown on your NOIA (www.proxyvote.com) before 11:59 p.m. on May 19, 2025 to transmit voting instructions. (Shareholders will need the 12-digit control number from the proxy card or NOIA to view proxy materials at www.proxyvote.com). Shareholders of record may deliver their vote online during the virtual Annual Meeting by following directions on the Annual Meeting website. Beneficial owners of shares of common stock held in street name through a bank or brokerage account should follow the voting instructions enclosed with their proxy materials.