Thinking through the ILAWC "billing changes"

Okay, let’s see, Illinois American Water Company has decided it will be “exiting” the billing business to concentrate on its core service of providing water.

In February of this year ILAWC dropped sewage billing in Pekin. However, they will continue to provide water usage information to the City of Pekin, because water usage is what sewer bills are based on. The water company would also remain responsible for shutting off water for non-payment of sewer bills (it's their equipment).

ILAWC is upgrading infrastructure throughout the State and yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's time to pass some of that cost on to us, the customers. All things considered, water is relatively cheap and it's always good when public utilities maintain and upgrade their facilities. If an increase is coming - at least we are getting something for it - right?

I guess now is the time to ask ourselves, exactly how have these infrastructural improvements helped us in our communities. Is the customer service any better; has the water pressure improved; does the water taste any better; do you see a lot of leaks around town; have jobs been created; is the Company a good citizen and community partner?

Of course it makes sense for ILAWC to exit the billing business, how would it look for them to increase our water bills and then threaten to turn our water off for non-payment of fees related to the local political initiatives of municipalities?  So, before we give three cheers to the Water Company for looking out for the little guy, remember, it's not about us - it's about them.