Utilities

State regulators will seek input from public on proposed rate increase. Illinois American Water, which serves 1.3 million people, is seeking a $152.4 million rate increase. Aqua Illinois, which serves 273,000 people, is seeking a $19.2 million increase.

Researchers say if state officials don’t curb utility spending, “Illinois is on course to maintain its entire gas system indefinitely.”

State regulators are once again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly bills – after rejecting previous versions late last year.

Consumer advocates are pushing for a change to state law that would bar utilities from collecting money from customers for those expenditures, liability insurance covering executives and for the cost associated with filing rate cases.

The water department had just $2 million left in reserves before the rate hikes kicked in. They are expected to raise a combined $33 million.

The drop in gas rates and rise in electrical rates follow separate decisions from the Illinois Commerce Commission in late 2023. Ameren Illinois customers will notice the changes in the first billing cycle of the new year.

The legislation filed by Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin was inspired by Evergy’s rollout of time-of-use pricing plans to its customers last summer, which included a plan that would have quadrupled customers’ charges for energy used at times of high demand.

With company profits cut, low-income customers in Illinois are set to receive new discounts on the utilities.

Ameren Missouri customers would have to pay an average of $12 more a month for electricity if state regulators approve a proposed rate hike.

St. Louis County and St. Charles County residents would pay more for water service under a proposed rate increase by the Missouri American Water company.