Consumer News... For You! March 2022

Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC)

Indiana's winter disconnection moratorium for electric & natural gas utilities continues through Mar. 15 under state law. Any consumer who cannot pay a bill in full and on time is urged to contact their utilities as soon as possible to make payment arrangements. If you need financial assistance with bills, Indiana's 2-1-1 help line is reachable any time. Also, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has local contact offices in all 92 counties.

Moratorium Expires March 15

Fix a Leak Week

Did you know that a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day? A dripping faucet can also waste more water - and more money - than you might realize. 

Fix a Leak Week is Mar. 14-20. It's an annual reminder to check your home or business for any water leaks & get them repaired. Many repairs are inexpensive.


A settlement agreement in the Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) rate case has received Commission approval & will reduce base rates by more than $94 million when fully implemented next year. The OUCC & a number of additional consumer & governmental parties negotiated the agreement with I&M, which will keep the monthly residential customer charge at $15.00. I&M had requested an annual increase of $104 million.

Indiana Michigan Power Rate Case

American Suburban Utilities

An IURC public field hearing in the American Suburban Utilities (ASU) rate case is set for Mar. 30. It will start at 6:00 p.m. at Battle Ground Middle School near West Lafayette. Comments presented at the field hearing will carry the same weight as written consumer comments the OUCC receives by Apr. 1. OUCC testimony is due Apr. 5 on ASU's request, which would raise the flat, monthly residential sewer rate from $59.08 to $99.66.


ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES 

 

Energy

Water/Wastewater

  • The OUCC has filed testimony on the Sanitary District of East Chicago's sewer rate proposal, recommending approval of about half of the utility's request. 
  • An IURC public field hearing in the Community Utilities of Indiana rate case will be set at a date & location to be determined. Written consumer comments are invited through mid-April. The utility provides water & sewer service in parts of Lake, Porter, Jasper, & Newton counties.
  • Comments are also invited on rate requests from Cataract Lake Water in Putnam & Owen counties, & St. Anthony Water in Dubois County.

CONGRATULATIONS...

...to Michael Eckert, CPA, on being named the OUCC's new Electric Division Director. Mr. Eckert has served in a number of capacities since joining the OUCC in 1987. Most recently, he served as an assistant electric division director for more than 4 years. Mr. Eckert is a Purdue University graduate.


Understanding Your Gas Bill

In case you missed it, we have produced a brief video with an overview of charges on a typical residential natural gas bill. The video answers many of the questions we regularly receive on heating bills, especially at this time of year. Our website also has an overview on gas prices, budget billing, & more.