Non-Corporate Water Sale Process

The Village of Oak Brook is your current potable water provider and over the past few years has reviewed its long range goals in order to develop a master plan for water main replacement, operational controls, and other water system upgrades. This plan has led to the Village considering a partnership with an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) regulated water utility company through the sale of its non-corporate water system and operations. The Village has issued a Request for Proposal for this partnership, reviewed the submittals, and negotiations with that water utility company are currently underway. Should the Village decide to move forward with this partnership, all terms, including rates, are subject to the ICC’s approval. The review and judicial process is a detailed and lengthy one that has the potential to take up to one year. As part of the process, the ICC will also require the Village to hold an open house for both corporate and non-corporate consumers. In the meantime, below are some FAQs you may be interested in knowing.

1. How does this impact the source and quality of water? What does this mean to me?

Should the Village decide to pursue this partnership, the water source will not change whatsoever. The high quality Lake Michigan water will continue to be provided. The Village purchases water from the DuPage Water Commission (DWC) who will continue to provide the same water through the same pipes you are currently being served by today.

2. How will this impact the service and reliability?

The Village has considered only proposals from leaders in the regulated water utility field that have extensive operational excellence and experience. Service and reliability will not be negatively impacted. The water utility company has over 135 years of experience. The DWC will continue to supply Lake Michigan water and the ICC will regulate the water utility company to ensure operational excellence continues.

3. Will this impact the rates?

Rates will continue to be based on consumption with a fixed charge component as they are today. Regulated water utilities have statewide tariff rates which are approved by the ICC. These statewide rates will be beneficial. Most residential customers will likely see a decrease, while others may see slight to no impact depending on how much water is used. A typical household uses between 3,500 to 4,500 gallons per month. Based on this typical usage with a 5/8” water meter, water rates are anticipated to decrease by approximately $7 to $12 per month.

4. What is the role of the ICC?

The ICC regulates many utilities in Illinois such as ComEd and Nicor Gas. The ICC provides analysis, policy development, public safety and enforcement activities related to electric, natural gas, water, sewer and telecommunications. All water rates would require ICC approval as they will have oversight. The ICC oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient and safe utility service at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by a regulated utility. They educate consumers on utility issues, resolves customer disputes, and develop rules for utility service and customer protection.

5. Who will maintain our water system?

The water utility company would own and operate the system using its own resources, including well trained and licensed operators. The Village’s only responsibility will be to supply the Lake Michigan water from DWC.

6. What would be my bill paying options?

The water utility company offers more alternatives in paying a water bill. They offer low income assistance and have a few payment options including:

Pay by mail
Pay by phone
Custom Payment plans
Credit card payment
Western Union
Zip check

If you have any further questions please email us at: Non-Corporate_Water_Sale@oak-brook.org