Vieaux

 

 

By Karen Haave

The second-largest private water utility, serving over 90,000 customers in Illinois communities like Peotone and University Park, Aqua won an $11.6 million rate increase just two years ago, a portion of the $19.2 million requested.

The company now is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve another, this time for $26.5 million.

If the ICC approves, the new rate increase would raise average residential bills by an estimated $23 a month. It would be expected to take effect in late 2027.

In a statement issued last week, Aqua acknowledged that rate hikes “are difficult” for homeowners, but added that the additional funds would “support recovering and offsetting the costs associated with (their) infrastructure modernization initiative.”

Peotone Mayor Chris Vieaux isn’t having it, though, calling another rate hike request “unconscionable.

“Our residents have endured very high water bills ever since Aqua began service in Peotone. I’ve talked with them many times about some help with lowering our water bills. The answer is always that they cannot do that.

“The struggle is real and it seems that Aqua is only concerned with profit and unconcerned about the communities they serve, especially in today’s economy.”

Areca Van Mill, Regional Communication Specialist III, said in Aqua’s statement, “It’s our mission to protect and provide Earth’s most essential resource. We take this obligation seriously. For that mission to succeed, we must continue to modernize and upgrade our treatment plants, wells, pipelines and related infrastructure.

“The requested rate adjustment with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will support recovering and offsetting the costs associated with this infrastructure modernization initiative.

“This rate request we filed on May 26, 2026 reflects partial recovery of nearly $176 million in infrastructure investments we have made or plan to make from 2025 through the end of 2027,” it continues.

“These investments highlight Aqua’s commitment to improving reliability and service for its customers across the state. This planned work includes the replacement of aging water mains, sewer rehabilitation work, service line identification and replacements, and treatment plant projects. This request also reflects an increase in expenses necessary to operate the utility, including chemicals, power, fuel, equipment and labor.

“It’s important to note that customers will not see any rate change at this time. The ICC will review the request over the next several months and grant all, some or none of the request. There will be no impact on customer bills until the ICC makes a final decision, which is expected in May 2027.

“We know that rate increases are difficult for some of our customers, and Aqua is committed to helping ease that burden. We find ways to help customers with their bills through payment arrangements and Customer Assistance Programs. Customers seeking financial assistance can contact Dollar Energy Fund to apply for assistance at 1.888.282.6816 or visit https://www.aquawater.com/customers/customer-assistance-programs/illinois-customer-assistance-program-cap. Aqua Illinois also seeks low-interest state and federal loans to minimize the financial impact on our customers.

“The process to modify rates is transparent and involves multiple opportunities for public participation. For more information about the rate request, customers can visit https://www.aquawater.com/illinoisratecase .”

Vieaux urged residents to protest the proposed rate increase via the ICC website, icc.illinois.gov, or by calling the ICC Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795.

The rate increase would not impact Aqua customers in Monee, where it provides only wastewater processing. Monee’s potable water comes from the village-owned wells.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.