Consumer News... For You! The OUCC's August 2018 Newsletter
State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 08/03/2018 10:22 AM EDT
AUGUST 2018
GET TO KNOW US! Did you know that our agency head graduated from both IU and Purdue? Or that he has more than 40 years of legal experience? Or that the OUCC has 54 professionals on its staff? Or that the cases we participate in involve a revenue stream that tops $14 billion each year? Those are just a few of the items noted in the Indianapolis Business Journal's recent article on Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine. As the article explains, our team uses the "sharp pencils" and works hard for consumers every day.
IPL AGREEMENT REDUCES RATE INCREASE The OUCC and a wide range of additional parties have reached a settlement agreement with Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) on the utility's proposed rate increase. The settlement would limit the annual increase to $43.9 million, compared to the $124.5 million the utility initially requested. In addition, the agreement would hold the monthly fixed customer charge for most residential customers at $17.00. IPL had proposed raising the charge to $27.00. The agreement is now pending before the IURC.
VECTREN GENERATION PROPOSAL Last month's IURC public field hearing in Evansville drew a significant crowd, as consumers expressed their views on Vectren's proposed generation plan. The utility is seeking approval to build a new gas-fired power plant to replace most of its coal-burning generation units, along with emissions control technology on one coal-fired unit. OUCC technical analysts and attorneys are reviewing the request and are scheduled to file testimony on August 10.
UPDATES
The Fort Wayne municipal water utility has filed a new rate case. OUCC testimony will be due this fall. In the Evansville water rate case, the OUCC's testimony recommends approval of about half the city's request. Boonville and Chandler are also seeking municipal water rate increases.
The OUCC and Indiana American Water Co. have reached a settlement agreement on the company's proposal to buy Sheridan's municipal water and sewer utilities. In a separate case, the OUCC has weighed in on Indiana American's proposed purchase of the Lake Station water utility.
Latest developments in the IURC's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act investigation include a Commission order on immediate rate relief for Indiana American Water Co. customers. Settlement agreements providing rate relief for Duke Energy and IPL customers are pending, along with the litigated case regarding Sycamore Gas Company's tax issues.
IMPROVING BROADBAND ACCESS The Indiana Broadband Map recently received its first major update in some time and now offers the latest available information, as unveiled by Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. If you'd like to know which high-speed internet providers offer service in your area, the map can help. It will also provide important help to state policymakers in their ongoing efforts to increase access to affordable broadband service in rural areas.
8/11 IS 811 DAY August 11th, or 8/11, is National 811 Day. The 8/11 date is the perfect reminder to always call 8-1-1 at least 2 business days before you dig, even on the smallest projects. It's the law, and may prevent damages that are both harmful and costly. The 8-1-1 call center is open 24/7. If you'd rather "click" instead of calling, that's an option, too.
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.