State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 10/25/2016 03:16 PM EDT
October 2016
OUR NEW ANNUAL REPORT For every dollar the OUCC spent in the State of Indiana's 2015-2016 fiscal year, consumers saved $108 through reductions in utility-requested rate increases. This is one of many key facts in our newly released Annual Report. This report offers a detailed yet direct overview of key utility consumer issues and how the OUCC continues to approach them on behalf of Hoosier ratepayers.
WINTER IS COMING And it will be here before we know it. Natural gas utilities throughout the nation are projecting higher bills this winter, as compared to last winter when wholesale gas prices were at their lowest levels in years. Indiana's utilities are no exception. If you're concerned about sticker shock on your winter heating bills, now is the time to sign up for budget billing. You'll pay the same amount for your energy over the long run, but your monthly payments will be "levelized" over a year or another long-term period. Most electric and natural gas utilities in Indiana offer budget billing. The OUCC's "Understanding Natural Gas Prices" fact sheet offers more information. In addition, we offer a variety of tips that can help consumers save on winter energy use, ranging from no-cost and low-cost adjustments we can all make to investments that will pay for themselves over time.
UPCOMING FIELD HEARINGS An IURC public field hearing in the Citizens Wastewater of Westfield rate case is set for November 3. Municipal water rate case field hearings will take place in East Chicago on November 17 and in Bloomington on a date to be announced.
A WORD OF THANKS We would like to say thank you to everyone who helped inform consumers of the recent transition to 10-digit dialing in the 317 telephone area code. Elected officials, state agencies, public libraries, utilities, and chambers of commerce are among the many stakeholders who took part in spreading the word. The transition to the new dialing pattern is complete, and it has gone smoothly thanks to all the efforts to inform the public.
OUR MISSION To represent all Indiana consumers to ensure quality, reliable utility services at the most reasonable prices possible through dedicated advocacy, consumer education, and creative problem solving.
