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Water

Illinois’ two biggest private water companies push for rate hikes

Last year’s rate-hike barrage was bad enough, but now water companies want in on the action. CUB learned this week that Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois both want rate increases. Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed a $19.2 million rate-hike request with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Aqua estimated…...

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CUB’s Daily Herald Op-Ed: Private Water, Big Headaches

CUB Director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel recently penned an op-ed in the Daily Herald responding to Lake County’s water outage with private water utility Aqua Illinois: The recent Aqua Illinois water outage/boil order in Lake County is further evidence that private corporate monopolies are not the answer to our…...

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New crisis program to provide water bill assistance

Help is on the way for thousands of Illinois households struggling with their water and wastewater bills during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) as a two-year crisis program providing benefits for water customers in need…...

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Act now for affordable energy, broadband, water

As we fight to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) in Illinois, we’re also monitoring action in Washington. There’s a federal infrastructure plan that would secure clean, affordable energy and water, as well as reliable broadband service for all. The American Jobs Plan calls for $621 billion in road,…...

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Private water utilities raise consumer bills by $220 million to pay for acquisitions

Over the past eight years, private water utilities Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois have been buying up aging water and wastewater systems across the state. As of February 2021, these for-profit companies have purchased more than thirty local water and wastewater systems since 2013 and have recovered the acquisition…...

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Who likes higher water bills? (Take action to oppose S 2596)

UPDATE September 2020: Thank you to the 3,000 people who emailed their representatives in Washington to oppose S 2596. It appears that the bill has stalled–for now. This is good news, but we expect this legislation will be considered again, and we’ll need to fight it. Stay tuned! Water privatization can lead…...

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‘Protection’ during the pandemic? Big water company pitches peace of mind—but you should think twice

Tucked away in a news release about a major water company’s COVID-19-related donations was a pitch for insurance plans that cover utility-related home repairs. While the company promises “the unexpected—protected,” such offers often end up costing customers more than they’re worth.  American Water is the parent company of Illinois American,…...

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CUB takes on unnecessary charges, water privatization, modem rental fees

By Bryan McDaniel, Director of Governmental Affairs Construction season has not yet begun, so the drive to Springfield is a smooth (dare I say almost enjoyable) ride during these first couple weeks of the Illinois General Assembly’s session. Before I jinx it by talking too much about it, let me…...

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Your questions, answered: Chicago’s new Utility Bill Relief Program

Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the details of her new Utility Bill Relief Program. Taking aim at the burden of overdue water bills on low-income residents, the new policy would provide qualified Chicago residents with a 50 percent discounted rate for water, sewer, and water-sewer tax bills —…...

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Water: You pay, so you deserve a say

You pay your water bill, so you should have a say in whether your water system gets privatized. That’s the idea behind House Bill 2392, legislation in Springfield that would require municipalities to hold a referendum before selling off a public water and sewer system. Tell your state legislators to support…...

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