State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 06/02/2021 07:44 PM EDT
AN IMPORTANT WIN
A case involving a northwest Indiana utility recently resulted in a major win for its customers and the OUCC. Community Utilities of Indiana (CUII) sought IURC pre-approval of several proposed projects for ratemaking treatment, in a request that would have eventually led to substantial increases in monthly sewer rates. The Commission's May order denied the request. The OUCC’s testimony and briefs noted that the utility has not comprehensively addressed the inflow and infiltration of groundwater into its sewer system as required by previous IURC orders. CUII provides service in portions of Lake, Porter, Jasper, and Newton Counties.
EVANSVILLE WATER RATES
Consumer comments are invited on the City of Evansville's request to raise rates for its municipal water utility. The city's proposal would phase the $15.6 million increase in over the next five years. The requested increase and city's proposal to issue long-term debt would pay for a new water treatment plant and address aging infrastructure throughout the city's water distribution system. OUCC analysts are reviewing the request and are scheduled to file testimony on Aug. 20.
ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES
A June 24 settlement hearing is scheduled in the CenterPoint/Vectren South gas rate case. Any settlement agreement before the IURC may be approved, denied, or modified.
OUCC testimony in the Bloomington municipal water rate case is due on July 23. Consumer comments are invited.
WIPES CLOG PIPES!
Cleaning wipes and baby wipes should NEVER go down the toilet, even if the packaging says they are "flushable." Wipes are not made to break down like toilet paper, leading to massive clogs in sewer systems that have to be cleaned out by machinery or even by hand. It is an expensive problem facing sewer utilities throughout the nation.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The OUCC's Natural Gas Division has a current opening for a staff accountant. If you have a bachelor's degree in accounting, a commitment to public service, and great problem-solving skills, this may be the opportunity you are looking for. The position is open for a limited time.
KUDOS...
...to two members of our team who recently celebrated milestone anniversaries with the State of Indiana! Wes Blakley of our Electric Division has testified in hundreds of cases during his 30 years with the OUCC. He is a Senior Utility Analyst specializing in complex ratemaking and financing matters. Anthony Swinger, our External Affairs Director, is celebrating 20 years with the agency. He oversees our public relations and consumer education endeavors.
GOING SOMEWHERE?
With COVID restrictions lifted and summer arriving, there's never been a better time to get out and explore. Take a look at this Road Trip Planner, put together by our friends at the Indiana Destination Development Corporation. And if you can't decide which trip to take, the site has a brief quiz to help you narrow it down.
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.
