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Some Springfield residents see increase in utility bills this month


Water faucet (WICS File)
Water faucet (WICS File)
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Many people are seeing an increase in their City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) bills this month.

This was a concern brought up in Wednesday’s city council meeting.

There are three different parts to your CWLP bill: electricity, water, and sewage.

“I just opened it yesterday, I was like 'Holy crap, what is going on?'” Springfield resident Elise Nix said.

Many Springfield residents were shocked to see their most recent bill.

“It doubled this month to like $580," Nix said. "It’s normally about half that and I’m in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home."

Springfield Major Jim Langfelder said these utility costs aren’t coming from CWLP.

“The increase is actually due to the sanitary district," Langfelder said. "We do billing, they are added on to the CWLP bill."

According to the city, utility bills do not go through the city; it goes through the sanitary district.

However, Sangamon County Water District Executive Director Gregg Humphrey said their rates haven’t changed since May 1.

According to the water district, the average cost for someone living alone is about $20.50.

“From the water district, it is roughly $18.95 a month," Humphrey said. "The city sewer's portion is approximately $7.25 per month."

Since May 1, the water district has set a $1.53 increase for an eight-unit user.

This means on average, for a four-person home, there was about a $1.53 increase on their bill.

Humphrey said this fixed rate does not increase every month.

“Our rate for 2020 is set May 1 and that rate is into effect into April of 2021," Humphrey said. "That rate does not increase monthly."

Langfelder said he will be looking into these bills more closely and try to address where specifically these increases are coming from.

“We are going to take a look at the separation of the bill so it’s more clear, and then that way, the people know who to call when they have questions associated with the sanitary district, aside from the CWLP bill,” Langfelder said.

Nix said she will be contacting both CWLP and the water district to see what she can do to lower her bill for next month.

If you have questions regarding your most recent bill, contact CWLPand the sanitary district.

Help Illinois Families is providing assistance for those who are struggling to pay their current bill. For more information, clickhere.



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