A local utility service provider has proposed increasing electric rates, and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is asking for the public’s input.
NIPSCO provides electric power to more than 461-thousand customers in 20 Indiana counties. If their request is approved, a residential electric bill using 1-thousand kilowatt hours would increase by about $10.10 per month.
The base rate accounts for a significant chunk of that increase, while the usage charges increase by a slightly smaller margin.
According to its testimony, NIPSCO says increases in its maintenance and operating costs has spurred the requests. The company also plans to use the $126-million in operating revenue generated by the increase to make certain upgrades to its infrastructure.
The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor says it has not taken a formal position on the matter.
A public hearing has been scheduled to collect input from the public and several other organizations at Hammond High School on December 14th. Written testimony will also be accepted until January 15th.
Consumers who wish to submit written comments for the case record may do so via the OUCC’s Website at www.in.gov/oucc/2361.htm, or by mail, email or fax:
Mail: Consumer Services Staff
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor
115 W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South
Indianapolis, IN 46204
email: uccinfo@oucc.IN.gov
Fax: (317) 232-5923
The OUCC needs to receive all written consumer comments no later than January 15, 2016 so that it can: 1) Consider them in preparing its testimony and 2) File them with the Commission to be included in the case’s formal evidentiary record. Comments should include the consumer’s name, mailing address, and a reference to “IURC Cause No. 44688.”
Consumers with questions about submitting written comments can contact the OUCC’s consumer services staff toll-free at 1-888-441-2494.
