Officials from southwest suburbs are pressing the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to reject a proposed rate increase by Illinois American Water. This increase would affect water and sewer services, potentially placing a financial burden on residents. Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta emphasized the necessity of water as a fundamental service, not a luxury. “Water is not a luxury,” stated Alexander-Basta. “It is not a vacation. It is not a new television or a shopping trip that can be postponed. Water, electricity and natural gas are essential services that every family needs to live with dignity, safety and health.”
Bolingbrook residents currently face an average monthly water bill of $220. Many are dealing with financial pressures from increased costs for food, insurance, and housing. Senior citizens and other residents on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable. State Rep. Dagmara Avelar echoed these concerns, worrying that people might have to choose between basic needs. She remarked, “People should not be choosing if they should flush their toilet or take a shower.”
Illinois American Water has submitted a request to the ICC for a $136.3 million rate increase. This follows several rate hikes over the past decade, totaling around $319 million. Additionally, the Citizens Utility Board is advocating against this and another proposed rate hike by Aqua Illinois. Both these companies, major private water providers in Illinois, serve numerous Chicago-area towns.
The proposed rate increase is intended to support $577 million in investments in water and wastewater infrastructure through December 2027. If approved, it could raise household bills by about $14 and $28 per month for water and wastewater services, respectively, based on usage of 3,500 gallons.
A public forum is scheduled for July 14 at the Bolingbrook Community Center. Alexander-Basta is urging residents to attend and voice their opposition. Other local leaders, including Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike, also plan to join the protest. Neitzke-Troike highlighted that approximately 6,000 local households experience high water bills. She is encouraging residents to share their challenges and officially comment on the ICC’s platform.
Homer Glen’s local government has created a resource page at www.homerglenil.org to guide residents on voicing their opinions. The village opposes both the rate increase and a potential merger between Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois. “I don’t want to give up,” insisted Neitzke-Troike, underscoring ongoing collaboration with the Illinois attorney general’s office, lobbyists, and state officials.
Bolingbrook’s attorney, Burton Odelson, stressed the importance of fair utility rates. He declared ongoing legal efforts to protect residents from unjust financial demands: “The public utility laws of our state require utility rates to be just and reasonable.” Verbal and written feedback from consumers is being accepted by the ICC through its website and phone.
For those unable to attend the forum, they can submit comments online at www.icc.illinois.gov or contact the ICC’s consumer services division at 800-524-0795.
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