Consumer News... For You! July 2022

July Header

July is Smart Irrigation Month, a nationwide effort to remind consumers about using water efficiently, especially on the lawn. Most lawns only need between 1 & 1 ½ inches of water each week. Businesses & homeowners can follow a number of simple steps to conserve water. In addition, “smart controllers” & other types of technology can help prevent overwatering & shut systems down when they don't need to run.

Irrigation

Arrearage & Disconnection Data Investigation

The OUCC is requesting an IURC investigation to evaluate jurisdictional utilities' reporting requirements for customer disconnections and arrearages. In its June 23, 2022 petition, the OUCC asked the IURC to require all jurisdictional utilities to provide monthly data about payment arrangements, delinquent bills, and disconnections through the end of 2024. The request is pending before the Commission.


An IURC public field hearing on NIPSCO’s Michigan City coal ash compliance proposal is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 1, 2022. The hearing will start at 6:00 p.m., local time, in the City Council Chambers at 100 E. Michigan Blvd. In addition, the OUCC is inviting written consumer comments through Aug. 10, 2022. NIPSCO's $40 million proposal includes the removal of coal ash from 5 ponds at the Michigan City generating station, along with rate recovery of project costs.

NIPSCO Public Hearing

ADDITIONAL CASE UPDATES

Electric/Natural Gas

  • Duke Energy has received approval for its quarterly Fuel Cost Adjustment. AES Indiana's quarterly request is pending with OUCC testimony due on July 22, 2022.
  • CenterPoint Energy’s request to build & operate a new power plant in Posey County has received Commission approval.
  • The IURC has ordered Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) to refund nearly $8 million to its electric customers. The refund stems from events surrounding a 2020 fire at the Schahfer Generating Station.  
  • A settlement hearing in the Community Natural Gas rate case is scheduled for July 21, 2022.

Water/Wastewater

  • The evidentiary hearing on Community Utilities of Indiana's (CUII's) rate request has concluded. The OUCC’s closing argument is due on Aug. 18, 2022.
  • The IURC evidentiary hearing in the American Suburban Utilities rate case is scheduled for July 28, 2022.
  • Written consumer comments are invited for the Brown County Water Utility rate case. Comments can be submitted by mail or email & will be included with OUCC testimony as long as they are received by July 28, 2022.
  • The OUCC is inviting consumer comments on the South Bend Municipal Water rate case. They are due by Aug. 5, 2022. 
  • The settlement agreement in the Sanitary District of East Chicago rate case has received Commission approval.

NASUCA Comes to Indy

In June, Indianapolis hosted the mid-year meeting of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA). Staff from state consumer advocate agencies & organizations throughout the United States gathered for informational sessions & to share ideas.

Indiana Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine (pictured on the right) is NASUCA’s Vice President. He also serves on the organization's Executive Committee.

Bill Fine Speaks at NASUCA
Stull gets service award from NASUCA president

During the meeting, NASUCA President Chris Ayers of North Carolina presented the OUCC's Margaret Stull with the organization’s Service Award.

Ms. Stull, Chief Technical Analyst for the OUCC’s Water/Wastewater Division, led the efforts to reorganize & restart NASUCA’s Accounting & Tax Committee after several years of dormancy. She then chaired the committee from 2016 through 2021.

NASUCA was founded in 1979 & includes 55 member organizations throughout the United States & Caribbean.


Now hiring

Interested in joining the OUCC team? We have openings for an attorney, an economist, accountants, & engineers.