CUB’s 40th anniversary is going to be another tough year, as consumers face two new water rate hikes and major utilities unhappy with last year’s pro-consumer Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings have launched legal challenges.
Here’s how you can get involved.
New Rate Hike: Aqua Illinois Rate Hike (ICC Docket # 24-0044)
Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed for a $19.2 million rate hike before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). For the average residential wastewater and water bill (4,000 gallons), Aqua said this would increase rates by $29.91 per month, or about $1 a day.
CUB is challenging the rate hike. “A rate hike of up to $30 a month is painfully excessive–and will be a hardship for Aqua customers. CUB has long had concerns about poor service quality and high rates from Aqua,” CUB said. “Aqua’s parent company has raked in $828 million in profits over the last two years, which begs the question of why the water utility needs to burden its customers with a punishing rate hike.”
Take action:
CUB petition: Tell the ICC to say no to Aqua Illinois.
You can also call the ICC to oppose the rate hike, at 1-800-524-0795.
New Rate Hike: Illinois American Rate Hike (ICC Docket # 24-0097)
Illinois American Water announced on Jan. 25 that it was pushing for a rate hike. Illinois American said the hike would increase water service bills by an average of about $24 per month, while the average residential wastewater bill would increase by about $5 per month, depending on the customer’s service area.
CUB will challenge the rate hike. “Illinois American’s $152 million rate-hike request is severe and greedy—the company is pushing for an excessive profit rate for its shareholders—and CUB will do everything it can to reduce it,” CUB said. “This punishing rate hike will be a hardship to consumers who depend on the utility for a vital service–and that’s why we’re challenging the company’s money-grab. ”
CUB Petition: Tell the ICC to say no to Illinois American.
You can also call the ICC to oppose the rate hike, at 1-800-524-0795.
ComEd (ICC Docket # 23-0055)
On Dec. 14, ComEd received a rate hike that amounts to $506 million over four years–about 65 percent less than what it wanted. ComEd filed a petition for rehearing challenging the ICC ruling. The ICC approved a narrow rehearing, which means ComEd could win higher rates. The rehearing lasts until around the end of May.
CUB Petition: Tell the ICC to say no to ComEd.
You can also call the ICC to oppose an increase in rates, at 1-800-524-0795.
Ameren Illinois (electric) (ICC Docket # 23-0082)
On Dec. 14, Ameren received a rate hike that amounts to about $56 million over four years–about 87 percent less than what it wanted. Ameren filed a petition for rehearing challenging the ICC ruling, hoping to win higher rates. The ICC granted a rehearing, which will last until June.
CUB Petition: Tell the ICC to say no to Ameren Illinois (electric).
You can also call the ICC to oppose an increase in rates, at 1-800-524-0795.
Peoples Gas (ICC Docket # 23-0069)
On Nov. 16, Peoples Gas received a state-record gas increase that included about $100 million in new customer money flowing to the utility. But that was about $100 million less than what the company wanted. The ICC granted a narrow rehearing on some issues in the case, and Peoples Gas is fighting to add $8 million onto its rate hike. That process will conclude by May.
CUB Petition: Tell the ICC to say no to Peoples Gas.
You can also call the ICC to oppose an increase in rates, at 1-800-524-0795.
