1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The proposed rate increase under Illinois House Bill 1828 will add significant financial strain for Bolingbrook residents already grappling with unaffordable and unfair water utility costs, according to the bill text which provides that if the Commission finds that a public utility's rate design unreasonably impacts affordability for customers who qualify for low-income assistance programs, the Commission shall order a rate design that mitigates those impacts. If the Commission approves this rate design outlined in HB 1828, it may force many residents to relocate, as the current rates coupled with an additional hike render essential water services inaccessible for a large portion of the community. Instead of corporate profits driving rate decisions, the bill urges the Commission to prioritize affordability and accessibility by reconsidering approval of the rate structure proposed in HB 1828.