Citizens can protest IAW rate increase
Some of the readers of the Daily Herald have water service through Illinois American Water. They are for the third time since 2004 asking for a rate increase.
This time it would be an increase of 25 percent for water, 24 percent for sewage.
The rates vary across there service area but over all it would be a 28 percent increase in the state of Illinois with this increase alone. This would be an increase since 2002 of 60 percent in my cost for water and more for others.
The rate increases would include increasing the connection charge from $9.75 to $15.25 and eventually $18 per month. They also will increase fire protection costs from $4.51 to over $7 per month. This would be a total increase of $11.74 without you using a drop of water. We already have one of the highest water rates in the state.
If you believe this is unfair or wish to comment on bad service you can submit public comments at the ICC Web site, icc.illinois.gov/docket/comment/online.aspx. The docket number for the case is 09-0319.
Also, state Sen. Susan Garrett and state Rep. Elaine Nekritz have requested a public hearing in the fall so IAW customers can share comments with hearing officers. The administrative judges will receive transcripts of the comments made there, although comments at hearings are not considered evidence for the purposes of this rate increase case. ICC administrative judges are not supposed to rely on these comments, although the comments may be considered.
Written testimony, however, would be considered evidence for the purposes of the final hearing. The Attorney General's office asks the witness a series of questions, and both the questions and answers are submitted in written format to the ICC. Witnesses offering testimony must be able to go to Springfield for the final hearing to be cross-examined by IAW.
Those interested in offering written testimony should contact: Susan Satter, senior assistant, public utilities, Office of the Illinois Attorney General, 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60601; (312) 814-1104 or ssatter@atg.state.il.us.
Robert Boros
Mount Prospect