State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 08/02/2021 07:35 PM EDT
SAVE ENERGY & SAVE MONEY
Since August is the 8th month of the year, here are 8 reminders:
1. Consider a home energy audit through your utility or online. 2. Change your HVAC filter. 3. Dust the thermostat. 4. Close blinds & drapes during the day. 5. Keep exhaust fans off. 6. Swap old lightbulbs for LEDs. 7. Set your water heater at 115 or 120 degrees. 8. If it's 90 degrees or hotter outside, wait until evening to do laundry or use the oven.
A WARNING
"Last weekend, my phone rang, and the caller ID showed my electric utility's name and actual customer service number. I answered. A recorded message then told me my service would be shut off in a half-hour and directed me to press a number to arrange a payment. I hung up. If you get a call like this, you should hang up, too. Scammers know how to 'spoof' your caller ID. If you're concerned about your account status, you can always call the utility at the number on your bill." - Anthony Swinger, OUCC staff
AUGUST 11 = AN ANNUAL REMINDER
August 11, or 8/11, is recognized throughout the nation as 811 Day. It's an annual reminder to either call 811 or fill out the form at Indiana 811.org before doing any digging on your property. State law requires anyone who plans to dig to make the call or complete the form at least two business days before digging. It costs nothing to have your property marked for underground utility lines. But it can be very costly, even fatal, to hit an underground line without realizing it. Remember, too, that gas, electric, & water lines may not be buried as deeply as you might expect.
DID YOU KNOW?
A typical utility rate case in Indiana is a 10-month process with multiple filing dates, including about 3 1/2 months for consumers to offer comments before the OUCC weighs in. Our new rate case timeline walks through the steps.
EVANSVILLE HEARING RESCHEDULED
The IURC's public field hearing in the Evansville municipal water rate case has been rescheduled to Aug. 12 at 6pm, local time. It has moved to a new location, as well: The Shanklin Theatre on the University of Evansville campus. Consumers can also send written comments to the OUCC by Aug. 13. Our most recent news release & video offer more details.
I&M COMMENTS INVITED
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) customers who want to comment on the utility's proposed rate increase can speak at either of 2 upcoming IURC public field hearings. The first is set for Aug. 24 at the South Bend Century Center, with the second at Purdue University Fort Wayne on Sept. 7. Both hearings start at 6pm. The OUCC is inviting written consumer comments in the case through Oct. 5.
ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES
A public field hearing will be scheduled on CenterPoint Energy's proposed gas-fired electric generation project. OUCC testimony is due on Oct. 15.
OUCC analysts are preparing testimony on AES Indiana's electric vehicle proposal, due Aug. 30.
We have filed our testimony on Bloomington's water rate request.
The OUCC is recommending that major utilities continue to report disconnections and related data through the end of the year. Utilities have been reporting the data as part of the IURC's open docket regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.