Illinois American Water, the largest private water company in the state, has increased rates by about $85.4 million.
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Dec. 15 granted Illinois American the increase after an 11-month rate case. The water company had requested a $100 million rate hike last July.
“While we’re glad CUB’s legal team was able to help cut the original increase by about $14 million, consumers are still getting hit with an increase during a historically expensive winter in Illinois,” CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen said.
According to a statement from Illinois American Water, the monthly water service bill for the typical residential customer using 3,500 gallons per month with a 5/8-inch meter will increase between $3 and $16 per month and the typical residential wastewater bill will increase between $25 and $36 per month (both depending on the service area.) Before this, the last rate hike approved by the ICC was in 2017.
In addition to the rate-hike request, the ICC approved a lower-income discount tariff that will help qualifying lower income households apply for a discounted rate. If you’re struggling to afford your water bills, check these sources for more information on assistance:
- Illinois American’s H2O Help to Others program, payment plans and budget billing.
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
CUB’s Water resource page and Water Saving Tips Factsheet.
