Consumer News... For You! The OUCC's September 2018 Newsletter
State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 09/18/2018 09:39 AM EDT
SEPTEMBER 2018
VECTREN GENERATION PROPOSAL The OUCC is recommending denial of Vectren's proposed electric generation plan, based on the agency's five-month legal and technical review. Along with its testimony, the OUCC has filed more than 600 written comments from Vectren customers. An IURC evidentiary hearing is scheduled in October.
CASE UPDATES
Latest developments in the IURC's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act investigation include approval of settlement agreements that will reduce IPL and Vectren rates. An agreement with Duke Energy received Commission approval earlier. OUCC witnesses recently filed testimony regarding long-term tax relief for a number of natural gas and water utilities. Our staff continues to work diligently to ensure appropriate customer benefits from federal tax cuts.
Closing arguments in the Evansville municipal water utility rate case will be filed in the next few weeks. The OUCC recommends approval of about half the city's request.
A September 24 public field hearing is scheduled in the Fort Wayne municipal water utility rate case. OUCC testimony is due at the end of October.
NIPSCO CHOICE If you're a NIPSCO customer, you may be getting solicitations to switch to a different natural gas provider. If you consider it, be sure to carefully review any contract language. That especially goes for the fine print. The NIPSCO Choice program is voluntary. Taking part in it does not guarantee savings. We offer more info and helpful links on the OUCC's website.
WINTER IS COMING! Fall officially starts this weekend. That means the winter heating season isn't very far away, and neither are the higher energy bills that come with it. If you haven't had your furnace serviced, now's the time to get it scheduled. Please visit our website for more tips to control your winter energy bills, including the small and large steps, and several in between. We also recommend budget billing, to "level out" your gas and electric bills through the winter and have more certainty about your monthly payments.
KUDOS! Theresa Davis is celebrating her 25th year with the OUCC this week. As our Electric Division's Administrative Assistant, Theresa works tirelessly to make sure the division submits its filings accurately and on time. She also works with her fellow administrative assistants and staff from throughout the agency to keep our operations running smoothly day in and day out. The OUCC greatly appreciates Theresa's hard work and dedication. She is pictured (on the right) receiving her 25-year service award from Electric Division Director Stacie Gruca.
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.