‘Excessive and severe’: Illinois water service providers request hundreds of millions in rate hikes - WGN TV Chicago

'Excessive and severe': Illinois water service providers request hundreds of millions in rate hikes

COOK COUNTY — Chicagoland residents in the Southwest suburbs expressed concerns Wednesday after two of Illinois’ biggest water service providers requested rate hikes in the tens, to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Illinois American Water, which services several suburbs in Northwestern Cook County, as well as portions of DuPage and Kane Counties, asked the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for a $152 million rate increase Wednesday. Aqua Illinois, the state’s other large utility provider, followed suit and asked the ICC for a $19 million rate increase.

Ibrahim Boktor, a resident of Woodridge, said he usually pays around $40-45 a month, while Tom Wickham, another Woodridge resident, said he pays around $130-140 every two months.

According to Jim Chilsen of the Citizen Utility Board, Boktor and Wickham could see drastic increases on their water bill statements if the rate increases are approved by the ICC.

“Both of these rate hikes are excessive and severe,” Chilsen said. “Customers are struggling out there and we’re talking about potentially increasing bills by up to $30 a month. That is severe. It’s excessive, especially when you consider both companies are pushing for higher profits through this rate hike.”

Illinois American Water said the rate increase would help pay for more than $550 million in infrastructure improvements, like replacing and updating pipelines, storage tanks, wells, pumping stations, hydrants and meters. If the rate increase goes through, they also said they would expand their income-based discount program.

“Everyone agrees a water company has a responsibility to maintain their system,” Chilsen said. “But they’re supposed to do it responsibly without bankrupting their customers. They don’t get a blank check.”

In recent history, Illinois American Water raised their rates in 2016, then again in 2022. Customers like Boktor and Wickham said they can’t afford another increase.

“I think all at once, that’s what I call outrageous,” Wickham said.

“All our utilities will be higher,” Boktor said. “We will have to change our budget.”

In a statement provided to WGN News, Illinois American Water said:

“Investment in water-wastewater infrastructure is the main driver of this request that reinforces Illinois American Water’s commitment to investing in its water and wastewater systems to replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service, enhance water quality, and comply with environmental regulations.”

When it comes to the legislative process, it will take eleven months for the requested rate increases to receive approval through the proper bodies of state government, meaning that — if passed — the increase would go into effect sometime in early 2025.

Illinois residents with concerns over a possible increase in their water bill can reach out to the Illinois Commerce Commission online to file a complaint or receive more information on their specific situation.