Illinois American Water Celebrates One Year of Expanded Income-Based Discount Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water (NYSE: AWK) marked one year since expanding its Income-Based Discount Program, which has helped more than 4,000 Illinois households lower monthly water and/or wastewater bills by an average of $40 while maintaining access to essential services.

The July 1, 2025 expansion raised eligibility to households at or below 300% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), with discounts of 10%–80% based on income and household size. The program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund since August 2023, requires annual recertification and complements other assistance options such as H2O Help to Others, payment arrangements and Budget Billing.

Market Context

AWK's short-interest signal was categorized as low in the current risk context. That platform data a...

Analysis

AWK's short-interest signal was categorized as low in the current risk context. That platform data adds limited short-positioning concern to this assistance-program update; the article does not quantify company-level financial effects, leaving future disclosures as the main watch item.

Key Figures

Program anniversary: one year Households helped: more than 4,000 households Average monthly savings: $40.00 monthly +5 more

8 metrics

Program anniversary one year Expansion of Illinois Income-Based Discount Program

Households helped more than 4,000 households Since the July 1, 2025 expansion

Average monthly savings $40.00 monthly Average customer bill savings since expansion

Income eligibility 300% of FPIG Gross household income threshold

Discount range 10% to 80% Monthly water and wastewater bill discounts

Program administration August 2023 Dollar Energy Fund administration began

Discount levels four levels: 80%, 65%, 40%, 10% Based on calculated FPIG level

Recertification frequency annually Eligibility recertification requirement

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jul 27 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Jul 27	Firefighting grant program	Positive	+2.6%	Firefighting support grants offered to eligible departments in company service territories
Jul 27	Sustainability report	Positive	+2.6%	Annual report highlighted sustainability progress and recognition among 2026 sustainable companies
Jul 27	Water company acquisition	Positive	+2.6%	Acquisition added customer connections and planned infrastructure investment across New Jersey
Jul 27	Drought conservation request	Negative	-0.1%	Virginia customers were asked to reduce nonessential water use during drought warnings
Jul 27	Drought conservation request	Negative	-0.1%	Maryland customers were asked to reduce nonessential water use during drought conditions

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent AWK news reactions aligned with the assigned event sentiment, with three company updates followed by 2.59% gains and two drought notices followed by -0.07% reactions.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Program helps customers access affordable water and wastewater service

BELLEVILLE, Ill., July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois American Water celebrated the one-year anniversary of the expansion of its Income-Based Discount Program, which has helped more than 4,000 Illinois households lower their monthly water and/or wastewater bills while continuing access to affordable water and/or wastewater services. Since the expansion, participating customers have saved an average of $40.00 monthly on their water and/or wastewater bills.

The program, expanded on July 1, 2025, increased eligibility for assistance to households with gross household incomes at or below 300% of the current Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG), allowing more customers to qualify for monthly bill discounts. Since the expansion, Illinois American Water has continued its commitment to helping customers manage expenses while maintaining access to safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services.

"The expansion of the Illinois American Water Income-Based Discount Program is helping make water and wastewater service more affordable for customers who need financial help the most," said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. "Over the last year, thousands of customers have reduced their monthly bills to help them manage household expenses. We're proud of the positive impact the program has made and remain committed to connecting eligible customers with available assistance."

Illinois American Water's Income-Based Discount Program provides monthly discounts ranging from 10% to 80% on water and wastewater bills based on gross household income and size. The program, administered by Dollar Energy Fund since August 2023, is available to eligible residential customers throughout Illinois.

Program Eligibility

Residential customers may qualify if their total gross household income is at or below 300% of the current FPIG. Eligible participants receive one of four discount levels based on their calculated FPIG level:

• At or below 50% of FPIG – 80% discount
• Between 51%-100% of FPIG – 65% discount
• Between 101%-150% of FPIG – 40% discount
• Between 151%-300% of FPIG – 10% discount

How Customers Can Apply

Customers can learn more about the program and begin the application process by:

• Visiting DollarEnergy.org
• Calling Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816
• Visiting Illinois American Water's customer assistance webpage

Once approved, discounts are applied directly to eligible customer accounts as a monthly credit. Customers must recertify their eligibility annually to remain enrolled in the program.

"We encourage all customers who may be struggling with bill affordability to explore the assistance programs available," Losli said.

In addition to the Income-Based Discount Program, Illinois American Water offers several customer assistance options, including H2O Help to Others™, payment arrangements and Budget Billing.

About American Water 
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/illinois-american-water-celebrates-one-year-of-expanded-income-based-discount-program-302840300.html

SOURCE American Water

FAQ

What is Illinois American Water's Income-Based Discount Program for AWK customers?

Illinois American Water's Income-Based Discount Program offers monthly bill discounts of 10%–80% for eligible households. According to the company, discounts are based on gross household income and size, helping customers maintain safe, reliable and affordable water and wastewater service across Illinois.

How much do Illinois American Water (AWK) customers save under the Income-Based Discount Program?

Participating Illinois American Water customers have saved an average of about $40 per month on water and wastewater bills. According to the company, more than 4,000 Illinois households have benefited from these savings since the program’s eligibility expansion on July 1, 2025.

Who is eligible for Illinois American Water's expanded Income-Based Discount Program?

Residential customers may qualify if total gross household income is at or below 300% of current Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. According to Illinois American Water, participants receive one of four discount tiers, from 10% to 80%, depending on their FPIG percentage and household size.

What discount levels are offered in Illinois American Water’s income-based program?

Illinois American Water offers four discount levels: 80%, 65%, 40% and 10% off monthly bills. According to the company, the exact tier depends on where a household’s income falls relative to Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, ranging from at or below 50% up to 300% of FPIG.

How can AWK customers apply for Illinois American Water’s Income-Based Discount Program?

Customers can apply by visiting DollarEnergy.org, calling Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816, or using Illinois American Water’s customer assistance webpage. According to the company, once approved, discounts appear as a monthly credit, and customers must recertify eligibility annually.

Who administers Illinois American Water’s Income-Based Discount Program and since when?

Dollar Energy Fund has administered Illinois American Water’s Income-Based Discount Program since August 2023. According to the company, the nonprofit oversees applications and discount delivery for eligible residential customers across Illinois, ensuring monthly credits are applied directly to qualifying accounts.