Illinois consumers face two new water rate hikes in 2024. Here’s how you can get involved.
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 $963.5 million in profits over the last two years, which raises 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.
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 is challenging 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.”
Take action:
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.