Consumer News... For You! The OUCC's June 2018 Newsletter
State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 06/11/2018 11:59 AM EDT
JUNE 2018
IPL RATE CASE RECOMMENDATIONS The OUCC is recommending denial of Indianapolis Power & Light Company's (IPL's) request for a $96.7 million rate increase. Instead, the OUCC's recently filed testimony supports a $4.9 million increase. The agency's recommendations include reducing the $17.00 flat, monthly charge most residential customers pay, meaning any increase would be recovered through the part of the rate based on a customer's usage. IPL's rebuttal testimony is due this month. An IURC order is expected by the end of the year.
I&M AGREEMENT APPROVED A rate settlement among the OUCC, numerous additional consumer and governmental organizations, and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) received IURC approval in late May. As a result, rates will increase at a much lower amount than requested, including a $3.20 increase in the flat, monthly residential customer charge. The utility's original proposal would have raised the charge by $10.70. Theorder'sadditional benefits include caps on rate recovery of certain transmission costs, creation of a new economic development initiative, and new funding for weatherization programs and low-income assistance.
UPDATES
An IURC public field hearing in the Evansville municipal water rate case is set for June 25. In addition, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through July 13.
Consumer comments are invited on Vectren's proposal to build a new gas-fired electric generating facility in Posey County and install new emissions technology at the F.B. Culley Generating Station in Warrick County. An IURC public field hearing is scheduled for July 11 in Evansville. The OUCC is reviewing the request with testimony due in August.
Rate reductions for Vectren's gas and electric customers are expected to take effect in the coming weeks, following tax law changes and approval of new tariffs. The OUCC's website has the latest on the Commission's ongoing investigation of utility rates in light of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The OUCC's settlement agreement in the Lafayette municipal water rate case has received approval, marking the utility's first rate changes in more than 15 years.
HOTTER TEMPS AND HIGHER BILLS After finishing the hottest May on record, your electric bill may be higher than expected. Budget billing is one way to help manage energy bills by providing a set amount each month. This is also a great time to make sure your air conditioner is using a clean filter, set ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise, and take additional steps that will add up to savings on your electric and water bills.
KUDOS... ...to the OUCC's Margaret Stull on being promoted from Senior Utility Analyst to Chief Technical Advisor! Margaret has served in the agency's Water/Wastewater Division for nearly 15 years and has also testified in numerous energy cases. She is the agency's case team leader in the IURC's ongoing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act investigation. A University of Houston graduate, Margaret also chairs the Accounting and Tax Committee for the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA).
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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.