Aqua files to raise water utility rates in Illinois

Danny Connolly
·2 min read

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Thousands of customers in Central Illinois may see their water bills increase by the end of 2024.

Aqua Illinois filed a request with the Illinois Commerce Commission earlier this month to increase the rate they charge for water. According to the company, that means Central Illinois customers who get water from the utility company will see their bill go up by $8.50 a month, or $102 a year, if approved.

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Illinois residents who get both wastewater and water services from Aqua will see their bill increase by $29.91 per month.

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“Aqua Illinois is committed to best serving our customers,” Aqua Illinois President Dave Carter said in a statement to WCIA. “This change to our rate structure, the first in six and a half years, helps ensure we maintain quality water and wastewater services for years to come. We’re continuing to invest in our systems, and we appreciate the support and understanding from our customers as we work together to make improvements to our local communities.”

Aqua officials believe the rate is necessary to improve and replace aging infrastructure. According to documents filed with the ICC, Aqua is planning on replacing several water main, service line and meter replacements across the state.

Another reason for the increase is inflation. According to a testimony filed the ICC, Aqua Illinois’ Director of Operations Andrew Price estimates the company’s costs for operations and maintenance will go up $8.5 million in 2025 compared to 2018.

The Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit utility consumer advocacy group, is planning on challenging Aqua over its rate hike. A spokesperson for CUB said the increase will be “painfully excessive” to Aqua’s customers, and said Aqua’s parent company has made more than $820 million in profit over the past two years.

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“We get a lot of complaints from Aqua Illinois customers about how high their bills are,” Jim Chilsen, the communications director for CUB, said. “This company has been raking in big-time money.”

The ICC can take up to 11 months to issue a decision, so Aqua and Chilsen don’t expect the regulatory board to rule on the increase until early December.

Aqua Illinois serves around 277,000 customers and 14 counties in the state, including Champaign and Vermilion County residents.

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