 5 of Indiana's 6 large electric & natural gas utilities will report monthly data to the OUCC under a new settlement agreement. 3 of the state's smaller natural gas utilities will also report data under a separate agreement.
Reports will include monthly total numbers of residential disconnections, accounts that are at least 60 days delinquent, & residential customers on payment arrangements. Total dollar amounts of the arrearages will also be reported.
The reports will provide a meaningful benchmark for examining how consumers are coping with increased energy costs. Participating utilities will provide the information through early 2024.
The OUCC’s recent news release has more information.
 Consumers across the United States are very likely to face higher utility bills this winter. Indiana’s major natural gas utilities are projecting higher bills due to increased costs in the wholesale natural gas market.
Qualifying households can receive financial assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is federally funded & administered by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA). If you know consumers who qualify, they can apply online or at a local intake office. There is an office in each Indiana county.
Township trustees, utilities, & additional local-level sources can help with utility bills. Indiana 2-1-1 can connect consumers with more resources.
It's important to consider different ways you can make your home more energy efficient this winter, including the low-cost and no-cost steps that can add up to savings. Changing the direction of your ceiling fan, replacing old weather stripping, & getting your furnace tuned up are all great ways to improve energy efficiency. The OUCC offers additional tips.
If you would like to learn more about your natural gas bill, our brief video offers an overview.
 The OUCC invites written consumer comments in all pending dockets before the IURC including the following rate cases:
Citizens Gas of Westfield - Comments Due: Nov. 25, 2022
Jackson County Water Utility - Comments Due: Dec.1, 2022
NIPSCO Electric - Comments Due: Jan. 13, 2023
 All filings are complete in the American Suburban Utilities (ASU) rate case. The case's formal parties have recently submitted closing arguments, including the OUCC’s reply brief.
ASU provides sewage disposal service in Tippecanoe County & is seeking to raise its flat, monthly residential rate from $59.08 to $88.89. It had requested a new rate of $99.66 when it started this case.
The OUCC is recommending a $9.49 rate reduction, based on its legal & technical analysis. A Commission order is expected in the months ahead.
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