(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and some lawmakers want state regulators to reject rate increases that would add about $30 a month to some residents' water bills.
Aqua Illinois and Illinois American Water have requested the Illinois Commerce Commission approve millions in rate hikes in November and December.
CUB’s Director of Government Affairs Bryan McDaniel says, since 2013, the companies have bought 59 water systems across the state and passed the costs on to customers.
McDaniel told WBBM customers pick up the entire tab when these private companies buy water systems from towns and cities.
“This doesn’t cost themselves a dime or their shareholders…to add these systems because your captive customers pay for it all,” McDaniel said.
The rate increase would affect about one and a half million residents in parts of Aurora, Rockford, Park Ridge, Crystal Lake and University Park.
Before any other towns or cities look to sell their aging water systems, State Senator Sue Rezin wants the state to require local voters to approve it first.
“This ensures that the people, who are most affected by these decisions, who are the residents, the rate payers, actually have a say in the matter,” Rezin said.
The Republican from Morris in the far southwest suburbs said it would be cheaper for customers if municipalities kept the systems public, instead of selling them to for-profit companies.
Illinois American told WBBM it requested an increase to pay for significant investments in aging systems so it can continue to provide clean water.
Aqua said it has spent millions to improve water systems that were nearing the end of their usable life and hasn’t raised rates in six and a half years. It said the increase will reduce the potential for water outages.
CUB is encouraging customers to speak out against the rate increase at public forums. They are slated for 7 p.m. on July 22 at the Levy Center in Bolingbrook, July 23rd at the Champaign Public Library, July 29 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, and Aug. 1 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
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