State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 09/01/2021 05:42 PM EDT
10-DIGIT DIALING IN NORTHERN INDIANA
All local phone calls in the 219 & 574 area codes will require 10 digits starting Oct. 24. The change is necessary for the nationwide implementation of the 988 code for reaching the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Calls in 219 & 574 can be completed with either 7 or 10 digits until Oct. 24. The change will not affect 911 & other 3-digit numbers, & it will not change telephone rates.
Indiana's 317 & 812 area codes have used 10-digit dialing for several years. The upcoming changes will not affect 260 or 765.
PUBLIC INPUT IS IMPORTANT
The OUCC invites written consumer comments in all cases before the IURC. These include Indiana Michigan Power's (I&M's) pending rate request & CenterPoint Energy's electric generation proposal. In addition, the IURC has scheduled a Sept. 7 public field hearing in Ft. Wayne in the I&M case & will be scheduling a similar hearing on CenterPoint's request in southwestern Indiana.
ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES
The OUCC recently asked the IURC to deny AES Indiana's proposed excess distributed generation tariff, while filing its Indiana Court of Appeals brief on CenterPoint Energy's tariff.
AES Indiana's electric vehicle proposal will be held in abeyance for 6 months.
Our testimony in the Evansville water rate case is due Sept. 3.
WINTER IS COMING
It may be hard to believe now, but colder weather will be here in several weeks. This is a great time to check your home's insulation if you haven't done so in a while. Well-insulated walls & attics are crucial to keeping your winter energy bills under control. Remember, also, that attic insulation settles over time, making it less effective.
RURAL BROADBAND EXPANSION
The third round of Indiana's Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is open for applications through Sept. 24. Gov. Eric J. Holcomb's initiative has already awarded projects aimed at extending reliable high-speed internet service in 44 Indiana counties.
JOIN OUR TEAM!
The OUCC has current openings for accountants, an engineer, & an environmental analyst. If you have a bachelor's degree, strong critical thinking skills, & a commitment to public service, we may have the opportunity you are looking for.
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.
