Consumer News... For You! September 2022

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09. Septemmber Savings

Since September is the 9th month of the year, here are 9 reminders:

  1. Consider a home energy audit through your utility or online.
  2. Check toilets for leaks on a regular basis.
  3. Consider a water-efficient showerhead. It will pay for itself in a few months.
  4. Swap old lightbulbs for LEDs. 
  5. Keep exhaust fans off.
  6. Water lawns & plants in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
  7. Change your HVAC filter regularly.
  8. Set your water heater at 115 or 120 degrees. 
  9. When purchasing new appliances, consider products with the WaterSense & Energy Star labels for maximum savings.

Interested in additional tips? The OUCC has more info on water and energy savings!

09.AES

State law allows major electric utilities to adjust rates regularly to account for changes in generating fuel costs, which can be passed through to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The adjustments can raise or lower rates & are reviewed by the OUCC before the IURC gives final approval. Utilities must show that they have shopped prudently in the competitive wholesale markets. Electricity costs, in general, are up nationwide due to increased prices for natural gas & coal. 

AES Indiana's most recent fuel cost adjustment would have raised an average residential bill by $24.39 as originally proposed. However, the OUCC recommended spreading the cost recovery out over a longer than normal period, reducing the monthly billing impact. This advocacy led to an $8.60 reduction in the increase, with the Commission's order issued in late August.

In a separate docket, the OUCC is recommending denial of about $41.5 million in proposed cost pass-throughs related to the recent 11-month outage at AES Indiana's Eagle Valley Generating Station

The OUCC offers a YouTube video with more info on the various parts of a typical electric bill.

09. Westfield Gas

In a newly filed case, Citizens Gas of Westfield is seeking its first base rate increase since 2017. According to the utility's testimony, the increase would add approximately $165 to the annual bill for a typical residential customer. OUCC attorneys and technical experts are reviewing the utility’s testimony & exhibits, & expect to file testimony on Dec. 2. Written consumer comments are invited through Nov. 28. The case focuses solely on Westfield & would not affect Citizens customers in Marion County. 

09. Case Updates