Group opposes water rate hikes

State legislators from both sides of the aisle joined the Citizens Utility Board, or CUB, last week to urge state regulators to reject rate hikes proposed by Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois, call on the General Assembly to reform water policy and alert people of upcoming forums on proposed increases.

A news conference was held with State Rep. Dagmara Avelar, a democrat from Romeoville, state Senator Sue Rezin, a republican from Morris, State Rep. Nabeela Syed, a democrat from Palatine and state Senator Rachel Ventura, a democrat from Joliet. CUB director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel was also at the news conference in Bolingbrook.

Those participating in the conference allege the state’s two biggest private water utilities have abused customers in recent years.