American Water, Essential Utilities win Illinois approval for merger
WTRG•The Illinois Commerce Commission approved American Water’s proposed merger with Essential Utilities on Nov. 6, 2026, its fourth regulatory clearance. The companies expect the merger to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to remaining approvals and closing conditions.
1. Illinois approval
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved American Water’s proposed merger with Essential Utilities on Nov. 6, 2026, marking the deal’s fourth regulatory clearance. Settlement agreements in four other states remain subject to utility commission approval, and the merger is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2027, subject to remaining approvals and closing conditions. The combined company will serve more than 4.7 million water and wastewater connections and more than 740,000 natural gas connections, operate under the American Water name and be headquartered in Camden, New Jersey.
