Consumer News... For You! The OUCC's March 2019 Newsletter
State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 03/01/2019 11:04 AM EST
MARCH 2019
WINTER SHUT-OFF MORATORIUM ENDS SOON
Indiana's annual winter disconnection moratorium for income-eligible electric and natural gas customers ends March 15. If you are behind on payments and need to make arrangements, contact your utility now. If you need financial assistance, you can find resources by calling 2-1-1 or visiting in211.org. The 2-1-1 help line is available in all Indiana counties.
NIPSCO HEARING MARCH 11
An IURC public field hearing in the NIPSCO electric rate case is set for Monday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m., local time, in the Hammond High School Auditorium. Those unable to attend the hearing may send written comments to the OUCC by March 13. The OUCC filed its testimony in the case last month, recommending no increase for residential customers.
CASE UPDATES
The OUCC, Indiana American Water Co., and additional parties have reached an agreement in principle on the utility's pending rate request, and anticipate filing a formal settlement agreement with the Commission by March 18. Case updates will be posted on the OUCC's website.
The City of Boonville and the OUCC have reached a settlement agreement on the city water utility's rates and finances. The agreement is pending before the IURC.
Sewer rates for Hamilton Southeastern Utilities customers will remain the same following a recent IURC order on remand.
A settlement agreement among Indiana Utilities Corporation and the OUCC has received Commission approval, reducing the natural gas utility’s requested increase from 5.24 percent to 4.29 percent.
DID YOU KNOW?
Water leaks in an average household can add up to nearly 10,000 gallons every year, according to the EPA. That's more than enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool. If you haven't checked your home or business for leaks in a while, try three simple tests to make sure you're not wasting water - and money. The third week of March is Fix a Leak Week, an annual reminder to make the clicks, twists, and replacements that will make a difference.
PAYING ONLINE?
If you pay your utility bills online, it's important to know whether you're using the utility's website or going through a third-party site. With a third-party site, you may be paying an extra fee. And your payment may reach the utility later than you expect. The American Public Power Association has some helpful information.
CONNECTING RURAL INDIANA
Governor Eric J. Holcomb has announced the launch of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, which is dedicating $100 million to bridge rural Indiana's digital divide. Broadband providers seeking to expand service to unserved areas can apply for grants through April 5. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs is overseeing the applications, with the Indiana Department of Transportation administering the grants and providing technical support.
CONGRATULATIONS...
...to our friends at Indiana's first national park! Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore became Indiana Dunes National Park under recent federal legislation. This unique Indiana landmark is now the 61st national park in the US. Other national park service areas in the state include George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City.
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.