Southwest Suburban Officials Oppose Proposed Rate Increase
Officials in southwest suburbs are voicing strong opposition to a proposed water and sewer rate hike by Illinois American Water. They argue that many residents cannot manage even higher water bills.
Water is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “It cannot be postponed like a shopping trip or vacation.”
State legislators joined Alexander-Basta in emphasizing that Bolingbrook residents already face an average of $220 monthly for water bills. Senior citizens on fixed incomes and households dealing with rising food, insurance, and housing costs find more rate hikes unmanageable.
Dagmara Avelar, state representative for Bolingbrook, pointed out the difficult choice residents may face between basic water needs and other daily necessities.
Illinois American Water’s Proposal
Illinois American Water has filed for a $136.3 million rate increase, as shown by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Despite opposition from the Citizens Utility Board, Illinois American persists with this request.
The proposed rate increase follows four previous hikes over the past decade, amounting to about $319 million. Alexander-Basta urged residents to attend a public forum at the Bolingbrook Community Center to voice their concerns.
Community Efforts to Resist Rate Increase
Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike also plans to attend the public forum, encouraging local participation to oppose the hike. Approximately 6,000 households in Homer Glen pay high water bills.
Residents should speak up about their individual experiences, Neitzke-Troike suggested, as community feedback can influence decision-making.
Neitzke-Troike stressed the importance of official comments to the ICC, either regarding the rate increase or the proposed merger with Aqua Illinois.
Communication avenues have been listed on the village website, and the community is working alongside the Illinois attorney general’s office, lobbyists, and state legislators.
We cannot give up,” Neitzke-Troike emphasized.
Potential Impact on Residents
If the rate increase is approved, typical users of 3,500 gallons monthly would face water bill hikes of about $14, depending on their service area. Wastewater system users of the same amount would see an increase close to $28.
These new rates are set to commence in January 2027 if approved. The ICC plans to make a decision by December.
Public Advocacy and Legal Challenges
Alexander-Basta, joined by local representatives and officials, argues that Illinois American Water must make improvements using existing revenue, not transferring the financial burden onto consumers.
Bolingbrook’s attorney, Burton Odelson, vows that the village will continue to utilize legal avenues to fight unjust rate increases as mandated by state utility laws.
The ICC will accept verbal and written comments from consumers. These can be made during the forum, through their website, or by calling their consumer services.