Water utility rates to increase
Updated: October 1, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- Running the faucet will soon cost homeowners a little more. Illinois American Water is raising its rates effective October 1.
The rate hike was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in September. It's going to be an extra $0.08/day, roughly $2.33/month and $27.69/year.
The company says that money goes toward upgrades in infrastructure. So far, it says it's invested around $180 million statewide and $17.9 million in the Champaign district.
According to a news release sent out by IAW, $18 million investment went toward things like hydrants, meters, more than 4 miles of water main, plus upgrades to its Mattis Avenue water treatment plant.
Kim Curtis lives in Champaign.
"If it's used for what they say it's going to be used for, then I'm all for it," said Curtis.
But Champaign's Joey Merrin says even pennies a day add up.
"Utilities are increasing but no one's paychecks are increasing," said Merrin. "How do we keep up with inflation when we're not really making more money."
This is the first rate increase since April 2010. Illinois American Water says it will continue reach out to customers to notify them of the change.
The rate hike was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in September. It's going to be an extra $0.08/day, roughly $2.33/month and $27.69/year.
The company says that money goes toward upgrades in infrastructure. So far, it says it's invested around $180 million statewide and $17.9 million in the Champaign district.
According to a news release sent out by IAW, $18 million investment went toward things like hydrants, meters, more than 4 miles of water main, plus upgrades to its Mattis Avenue water treatment plant.
Kim Curtis lives in Champaign.
"If it's used for what they say it's going to be used for, then I'm all for it," said Curtis.
But Champaign's Joey Merrin says even pennies a day add up.
"Utilities are increasing but no one's paychecks are increasing," said Merrin. "How do we keep up with inflation when we're not really making more money."
This is the first rate increase since April 2010. Illinois American Water says it will continue reach out to customers to notify them of the change.
