Officials Challenge Proposed Water Rate Hike

Officials from the southwest suburbs are appealing to the Illinois Commerce Commission to decline the water and sewer rate increase suggested by Illinois American Water. They argue residents cannot shoulder higher water bills. “Water is not a luxury,” stated Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “It’s not a vacation. It’s not an elective purchase. Water, electricity, and natural gas are crucial services needed by everyone for a dignified, safe, and healthy life.”

Bolingbrook faces average water bills of $220 monthly, leaving seniors and cash-strapped families vulnerable to further increases, according to Alexander-Basta. State Rep. Dagmara Avelar emphasized that people should not choose between essential activities like flushing toilets and taking showers. Illinois American Water seeks a $136.3 million rate increase, as filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

The Citizens Utility Board, a watchdog group, urges the ICC to stop rate hikes proposed by Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois. The parent company, American Water, plans to acquire Essential Utilities, Aqua’s parent, a move the watchdog also contests.

Alexander-Basta pointed out that Illinois American Water has requested four rate increases over the last decade, totaling about $319 million. She encourages residents to voice their concerns at a public forum hosted by the ICC at 7 p.m. on July 14 at the Bolingbrook Community Center.

Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike also opposes the rate hike and urges residents to attend the forum. Around 6,000 Homer Glen households face high water bills under Illinois American Water. Neitzke-Troike hopes community testimonials at the forum make an impact and encourages residents to share their views with the ICC.

The village’s website, www.homerglenil.org, offers resources for residents to express their concerns. The village opposes both the rate hike and the proposed merger, collaborating with state officials and lobbyists to communicate their disapproval.

Illinois American Water submitted its rate increase request to the ICC in January. The proposed rates would support $577 million in water and wastewater investments through 2027. If approved, a typical residential customer would see an increase of about $14 per month, depending on location, beginning January 2027. Customers also using wastewater services would face an additional $28 monthly increase.

Mayor Alexander-Basta calls for improvements to come from existing revenues, not consumer pockets. Bolingbrook’s attorney, Burton Odelson, notes persistent legal opposition to rate hikes, stating state laws mandate utility rates remain just and reasonable.

The ICC will accept verbal and written comments from consumers, who need not attend the forum to make their views known. Comments can be submitted through the ICC website, www.icc.illinois.gov, or by contacting their consumer services division at 800-524-0795.

Freelance journalist Michelle Mullins reports this for the Daily Southtown.