‘All they want is accessible clean water’: Customers express concerns over IL American Water rate hike at final forum

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois American Water is pushing for a $152 million dollar rate hike. Tuesday night, dozens of people gathered at a public forum in Champaign to voice their concerns.

Customers would see their monthly water bills rise a little more than $29 dollars starting next year. For some people who showed up at the forum, the request from Illinois American Water is simply unacceptable.

“We’re here to tell the ICC that they should say no to this ridiculous request,” said Laura Lloyd.

Some in the crowd voiced their frustrations about the $152-million dollar proposal during public comment.

“Truth be told, I’m complaining about my water bill, but I can afford it,” another person said. “But I know that many people can’t.”

The Illinois Commerce Commission has until December to give a final ruling on the increase.

Members from the ICC, along with American Water, made up the front table.

“Continuing to invest in improving and replacing our infrastructure is a critical component of this rate case,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water.

She said the reason behind the proposed hike boils down to the needs of the communities they serve.

“The request for new rates reinforces Illinois American Water’s commitment to strategically replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service, enhance water quality, and comply with increasing environmental regulations,” Losli added.

Groups like the Citizens Utility Board aren’t convinced.

“All they want is accessible clean water,” Lloyd said. “They have to have it. They have to pay for it. And you’re asking them to add another $30 every single month and they aren’t seeing most of that benefit come back to them.”

Among those in the crowd was Ivan Waterman from Livingston. He says the hike is simply too much for many in his community.

“Years ago, Illinois American bought us out,” Waterman said. “The water department, our sewer department, and our utilities at that time was about $60 a month. Three and a half years later, we’re paying $110, $111.”

This forum marks the third for the case. The other two were in Bolingbrook and Jerseyville. Lloyd said the sentiment carries state-wide.

“In closing, I urge state regulators to say no to Illinois American Water’s unjust and unreasonable rate hike request,” Lloyd said.

Tuesday night was the final forum for the case. The process will move forward to administrative processes next before coming to a conclusion later this year.

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