Bolingbrook mayor urges regulators to reject Illinois American Water's proposed $142M rate increase

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WLS) -- Hundreds of thousands of Illinois customers could face higher water and wastewater bills if Illinois American Water receives approval for a proposed $142 million rate increase.

The proposal has drawn criticism from officials in Bolingbrook, where Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta is urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject the utility's latest request.

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Alexander-Basta said the proposal comes after three previous rate increases over the past decade.

"I mean we're in a time right now where every penny counts, every dollar matters," Alexander-Basta said.

The mayor is calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission to deny the request, arguing regulators should hold the utility accountable.

"It's five ICC commissioners that can say yes, and that can most definitely say no, and that's what we're looking for, accountability to say no, you've asked, we've given, you've asked, we've given, now is not the time to ask, nor are we going to give," Alexander-Basta said.

According to Illinois American Water, the proposed increase would add about $14 per month for a typical residential water customer using 3,500 gallons of water. Typical wastewater customers would see an increase of about $28 per month.

Some residents say they are still feeling the effects of the utility's most recent rate increase, which took effect a little more than a year before the company announced its newest request in January.

Bolingbrook resident Pat Smith said her household experienced a significant jump in costs following the last increase.

"What's really frustrating is that they're back again. I mean we just had one, and our first bill after that last rate increase went from $130 to $205," Smith said.

Smith said rising water costs have affected daily life for some residents, particularly retirees who rely on Illinois American Water as their only water provider. She said households are making changes to conserve water, including doing dishes less frequently and running fewer loads of laundry, and even flushing the toilet less often.

"You know, if it's yellow let it mellow. If it's brown flush it down. I mean really, you have to go to that extreme? It doesn't make sense," Smith said.

Illinois American Water has said planned infrastructure improvements are driving the proposed increase.

Alexander-Basta questioned that justification, saying the company should manage those costs without seeking additional revenue from customers.

"You don't go to your boss or your employer, and you say, I need more money because I want to make upgrades, or I need more money because I want to buy a new car. You work within your means, and that's all we're asking," Alexander-Basta said.

The Village of Bolingbrook will host an Illinois Commerce Commission public forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Bolingbrook Community Center. Customers of Illinois American Water are invited to attend and express their concerns about the proposed rate increase.