Officials’ Call Against Water Rate Increase
Southwest suburban officials are insisting that the Illinois Commerce Commission reject the water and sewer rate hike proposed by Illinois American Water. They argue that residents cannot absorb further increases in water bills. Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta emphasizes that water is an essential service, much like electricity and natural gas, necessary for families to maintain dignity, safety, and health.
Bolingbrook’s residents face average water bills of $220 monthly. Alexander-Basta highlights the financial strain on senior citizens with fixed incomes and households struggling with escalating costs in food, insurance, and housing.
State Rep. Dagmara Avelar similarly argues against the hike, emphasizing the difficult choices residents might face between essential daily tasks like flushing toilets or showering.
Request for Public Participation and Opposition
Illinois American Water has proposed a $136.3 million rate increase, as indicated by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Opposition comes from the Citizens Utility Board, advocating against the proposed hikes from Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois, the state’s two major private water companies servicing the Chicago region. Additionally, Illinois American’s parent company, American Water, aims to acquire Aqua’s parent company, Essential Utilities, attracting further opposition from the Citizens Utility Board.
Alexander-Basta calls on residents to participate in a public forum by the ICC at the Bolingbrook Community Center on July 14. She stresses the importance of voicing concerns as financial pressure mounts on families.
Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike encourages village residents to protest, referencing that 6,000 Homer Glen households face substantial water bills. She underscores the importance of sharing personal stories at forums and submitting official comments to the ICC through the village’s website or directly to the ICC.
Concerns Over Rate Usage and Proposed Increase Details
Neitzke-Troike opposes both the rate increase and the merger, collaborating with the Illinois attorney general, lobbyists, and state legislators. Alexander-Basta argues that any enhancements by Illinois American Water should be funded from existing revenue rather than additional consumer costs.
Bolingbrook attorney Burton Odelson reiterates the village’s ongoing battle against unfair rate increases, stressing the public utility laws demanding just and reasonable rates. Efforts to combat these increases will persist through all available legal channels.
Illinois American Water aims to invest about $577 million in water and wastewater services through December 2027. Their proposal suggests a typical residential user consuming 3,500 gallons monthly would face a $14 increase in their water bill and an additional $28 if serviced by sanitary wastewater systems.
Engagement from the public is encouraged by submitting comments via the ICC’s website or phone, with the ICC expected to decide the rate application by December.