BOLINGBROOK, Ill. () — Scores of residents from Chicago’s southwest suburbs, along with local lawmakers, pushed back Tuesday night against Illinois American Water’s proposed $142 million rate hike during an Illinois Commerce Commission public hearing in Bolingbrook.
During the hearing’s opening hour, nearly every person who addressed regulators opposed the plan, warning that higher water and utility bills would place additional strain on households, retirees and people already struggling with rising costs.
Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta called on state regulators to turn down the company’s request.
“Water is not a luxury. It is not optional. It is a basic human necessity,” Alexander-Basta said.
Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, defended the proposed increase, arguing that the added revenue is necessary to fund upgrades to aging water infrastructure.
“We do this because of our customers. We are investing in this because of you. We want less water main breaks, and less constructions, less water boil orders. Simply put, continuing to invest in our water infrastructure is critical to ensuring that we provide reliable service to all of you,” Losli said.
The company says the rate proposal would raise the average residential water bill by roughly $14 a month for customers using 3,500 gallons. Customers with wastewater service would pay about $28 more each month, according to Illinois American Water.
A number of residents told the commission they are still absorbing the impact of the utility’s last rate increase. Pat Smith said she has already changed her habits in an effort to cut back on water consumption.
“I bathe twice a week now, instead of every day. I wear my clothes multiple times before washing,” Smith said. She later added, “This is unacceptable and the longer it goes the worse it’s going to get.”
Bolingbrook resident Michael Boyd also expressed concern about the proposal’s impact on customers.
“What concerns me is the frequency and size of the proposed increase and what it means for ordinary families who are already struggling,” Boyd said.
Several elected officials also called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to deny the request.
Illinois state Rep. Natalie Manley told attendees, “Just because it’s legal does not make it right.”
Alexander-Basta echoed that sentiment, saying, “Today, Bolingbrook is taking the lead in saying what people across the state have been saying for years: Enough is enough.”
Additional hearings in the case are scheduled for August. The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to issue a final decision by Dec. 18.
