State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 07/07/2021 08:23 PM EDT
I&M RATE CASE
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is seeking a $104 million rate increase in a newly filed case. The OUCC will be using its technical and legal resources to review the request, with testimony expected this fall. Public input is invited, as it is in all IURC cases. We will be posting updates as the case proceeds. A general utility rate case in Indiana is typically a 10-month process; the OUCC's new rate case timeline walks through the steps.
NIPSCO ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE
OUCC analysts and attorneys are reviewing Northern Indiana Public Service Company's (NIPSCO's) proposed $1.64 billion electric infrastructure plan. The proposed plan would include rate increases through a Transmission, Distribution, and Storage System Improvement Charge (TDSIC), and would replace the utility's current plan that received Commission approval in 2016. Key components in the proposed plan include installation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), pole replacements, and upgrades and replacements to transformers, substations, steel transmission line structures, and additional projects to be built through 2026. OUCC testimony is due by Aug. 30 with a Commission order expected by the end of the year.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY CASES
Settlement agreements are now pending in both of CenterPoint Energy's Indiana natural gas rate cases. The agreement for the utility's North territory would reduce rates while the South territory's agreement would allow for a smaller increase than initially requested. The IURC is considering both settlements and may approve, deny, or modify any agreement in its final orders.
In an unrelated docket, CenterPoint Energy is seeking IURC approval of a new $323 million gas-fired electric generation project. OUCC testimony is due on Oct. 15.
ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES
The OUCC is scheduled to weigh in on 2 proposed excess distributed generation tariffs this month. Testimony on Indiana Michigan Power's (I&M's) proposed tariff is due July 13, with a July 27 deadline on NIPSCO's request.
Consumer comments are invited in the Bloomington water rate case through July 16. OUCC testimony is due on July 23.
Evansville municipal water customers are invited to comment on the utility's proposed rate increase through Aug. 13.
Aug. 30 is the deadline for OUCC testimony on AES Indiana's electric vehicle proposal.
BE READY!
Does your phone number start with the 219 or 574 area code? Do you have a medical life alert or home alarm system? If you answered both questions with a "yes," contact your service provider now to make sure it is ready for 10-digit dialing. All local calls in the 219 and 574 areas must include the area code starting Oct. 24. A 6-month grace period continues until then, allowing local calls to be completed with 7 or 10 digits.
DO YOU WATER THE LAWN?
If so, make sure you're not over-watering. And take some time during July - Smart Irrigation Month - to learn about technology that can help you get it done more efficiently. Weather-based controllers and soil moisture sensors can help both residential and commercial systems.
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.
