BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Illinois American Water customers will see price increases next year.
The base rate increase was approved by an order from the Illinois Commerce Commission. The request to raise the rates was made by the utility back in February.
This will be the first change in rates since 2017. Illinois American Water is estimating that the average home will see an increase between $3 and $16 per month on their water bill. It also says an average increase between $25 and $36 per month on wastewater bills. The utility estimates an additional $67 million in revenue will be raised each year.
The additional money will go towards infrastructure improvements. The main work includes replacing 141 miles worth of aging water and wastewater pipelines. Other work includes upgrading treatment plants, pumping stations, fire hydrants, and more.
The ICC also approved a low-income discount for those who qualify. Those that qualify can see on average a decrease between $13 to $26 per month on their wastewater bills, and between $12 to $24 per month on water bills.
