State of Indiana sent this bulletin at 10/04/2021 04:40 PM EDT
DID YOU KNOW?
The OUCC's staff worked vigilantly throughout the State of Indiana's last fiscal year, participating in nearly 400 docketed IURC cases, along with additional cases before state appellate courts & at the federal level. Our newly released Annual Report has more details while summarizing our accomplishments on behalf of Hoosier ratepayers.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Applications are being accepted now for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), along with the newly created Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority's (IHCDA's) interactive map shows where consumers can sign up for these federally funded programs in each county.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY HEARING
An IURC public field hearing on CenterPoint Energy's electric generation proposal is set for Oct. 13 at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. It will start at 6 pm, local time, in the Locust Room. The OUCC is also inviting written consumer comments. The utility is seeking approval to build two natural gas-fired turbines on its A.B Brown property in Posey County, along with proposed coal ash remediation projects.
NIPSCO RATE CASE
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) has filed a new base rate case for its natural gas utility. The proposal would raise gas rates by $115 million, while raising the flat, monthly residential customer charge from $14.00 to $24.50. Consumer comments are invited with the OUCC planning to file testimony in January. A Commission order is expected next summer.
ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES
Settlement agreements on NIPSCO's energy efficiency plans have received approval.
The OUCC recommends denial of Duke Energy's proposed excess distributed generation tariff.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch & the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA) have launched the Indiana Connectivity Program. It's a new initiative to bring internet service to unserved & underserved homes & businesses throughout Indiana. If you believe you would benefit, visit OCRA's website or call the Indiana Broadband Connect Center toll-free at 1-833-639-8522.
AN IMPORTANT REMINDER
If your phone number starts with 219 or 574, you will be required to include the area code when making local calls starting on Oct. 24,
More than 80 area codes in 35 states are converting to ten-digit dialing this month to help with implementing the 988 code for reading the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 goes into effect in July 2022. The Lifeline's current toll-free number (1-800-273-TALK) will still work after the transition.
This change will not affect telephone rates. It also will not affect 911 & other 3-digit numbers.
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.
